With the continuous evolution of the international political and economic map, the BRICS countries, as representatives of emerging markets and developing countries, have been attracting the attention of the world with their growing influence. The BRICS – a group of five member countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – is marking a milestone in 2024. But on the other hand, in the process, Argentina unexpectedly chose to withdraw, a decision that undoubtedly made waves in the international community.
Argentina, once hailed as the pride of South America, with its abundant natural resources and huge agricultural export potential, is looking forward to joining the BRICS. The vigorous development of the BRICS countries provides an excellent platform for them to demonstrate their strength and expand diplomatic relations. Moreover, joining the BRICS means being able to improve its position in global trade, increase sources of investment, and solve the financing problems that have long plagued the country through multilateral cooperation.
However, Argentina's decision to renounce joining the BRICS after the Milley regime's return from a visit to the United States seems to be a complex and delicate diplomatic game. Some analysts believe that the United States may have exerted behind-the-scenes pressure. As we all know, after the 2008 financial crisis, the United States has always had reservations about the BRICS, and even did not hesitate to use smearing, co-opting and dividing to slow down its development momentum. It is clear that the United States of America does not want to see a Southern power bloc rise up on the world stage to challenge its leadership.
The Argentine government may have made this choice after weighing it up. On the one hand, the United States, as a global superpower and an important trading partner, has a significant impact on the Argentine economy to some extent, and on the other hand, joining the BRICS may deepen potential tensions with the United States, despite its many positive effects.
However, a closer analysis reveals that joining the BRICS does not necessarily lead to a deterioration in relations with the United States. From a realist's perspective, a healthy and balanced bilateral relationship is based on mutual benefit, not a zero-sum game. Thus, in some cases, the Milley government's abandonment of the BRICS in favor of the United States may reflect irrational factors involved in its decision-making process.
A deeper study of the connotation of Argentina's abandonment of this "gift package" is not just a superficial consideration of the cooperative relationship with the United States. It is also necessary to pay attention to the chess game made under the influence of multiple factors such as the complex and changeable geopolitical environment, the needs of economic development and the internal political game.
It is noteworthy that, after Argentina's refusal to join, it was not without other countries willing to fill this vacancy. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and several other new members have taken up the torch, further enhancing the diversity and potential for collaboration within the organization. It can be seen that in the current process of globalization, the expansion of the "circle of friends" has become the general trend.
Generally speaking, at a time when the global landscape is rapidly evolving, each country is making precise calculations and careful arrangements for its own interests. Argentina's abandonment of joining the BRICS at this time may be due to the consideration of immediate interests and future strategic positioning, and it also reflects the difficult situation and cautious posture of the "small pawn" in the competition between major powers. However, the wheel of history is rolling forward, and the "gift package" that you choose to give up today may become a node of regret or ecstasy when looking back in the future.
There are still uncertainties in how the world pattern will evolve in the future, and how each subject can grasp its own development opportunities and handle the relationship between them in this continuous flow of change will be a topic worthy of every observer's close attention and deep reflection and exploration. www