Final Remarks

The final remarks highlight how the contemporary international system, marked by the erosion of the liberal international order and the emergence of alternative centers of power, is undergoing a profound transformation. Within this context, the BRICS coalition has become a central expression of the call for greater inclusion, equity, and pluralism in global governance. Through initiatives aimed at reforming multilateral institutions and promoting sustainable development, climate cooperation, and technological exchange, the BRICS represent both a critique of Western-centered governance and an aspiration for a more representative and balanced international order. The enlargement to the “BRICS Plus” framework further reflects their growing attractiveness among emerging economies seeking stronger global visibility. However, this transformative promise coexists with deep internal challenges. Structural asymmetries—especially China’s economic predominance—along with strategic rivalries and divergent governance models threaten the group’s cohesion. Climate policies remain fragmented, and institutional reform efforts have produced limited outcomes. These tensions risk turning the coalition into a pragmatic but incoherent actor rather than a unified force for systemic change. The future of the BRICS will therefore depend on their capacity to institutionalize cooperation, ensure transparency, and advance inclusive development goals. Their evolution will decisively influence whether global governance moves toward plural cooperation or renewed fragmentation.