Specifics of BRICS Expansion into Southeast Asia

As of January 2025, Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS, while two other Southeast Asian countries - Malaysia and 'Thailand - have acquired the status of partner states within the organization. This development raises important questions: what motivated these countries to align themselves with an international bloc representing the interests of the Global South, and what risks might such a decision entail? These questions form the core of the analysis presented in this article. Despite broadly similar positions among Southeast Asian countries regarding BRICS, distinct national considerations necessitate a case-specific approach. Accordingly, the article ex-amines Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand separately to explore the unique domestic and geopolitical factors that shaped their respective decisions. This approach enables a more nuanced understanding of the incentives and strategic calculations behind their engagement with the bloc, which is viewed as a vehicle for securing additional economic benefits through expanded cooperation with other developing economies. Equally important to them is the geopolitical dimension of the bloc, with its aspirations to reshape the global order. The desire to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape and seize emerging opportunities drives Southeast Asian countries to seek membership in BRICS. In their view, joining the bloc offers a dual advantage - preserving strategic autonomy while enhancing their influence in global decision-making. In Indonesia and Malaysia, this stance is largely shaped by the personal ambitions of their leaders, who aspire to play a prominent role on the international stage and serve as a voice for developing nations. However, the long-term benefits of BRICS membership come with significant risks. These include potential strains in relations with developed economies - primarily the United States and the European Union - both of which are crucial trade partners and key sources of investment. Additionally, deeper dependence on China, could fuel anti-Chinese sentiment domestically, potentially undermining Indonesia and Malaysia's reputations as non-aligned states seeking to hedge between the competing interests of the U.S. and China. According to the author, ensuring long-term economic prosperity and geopolitical stability requires, Southeast Asian countries to carefully navigate their engagements with-in BRICS while maintaining balanced relations beyond the bloc.