BRICS and Azerbaijan
With the expansion of BRICS, and due to Azerbaijan’s close proximity to two members of this consortium, coupled with the anticipated peace treaty with Armenia, the South Caucasus Research Center's analysts opine that there exist positive outcomes for Azerbaijan's progression. They recommend that Baku should amplify its collaboration with potential associates and contemplate aligning with BRICS.
South Caucasus Studies Center (CSSC) analysts' appraisal of Azerbaijan’s rapport with BRICS nations.
Traditional categorization of international entities depends on their scope of activity and objectives, segregating them into political, economic, and military. For instance, post-USSR Russia established structures like the CIS (political), EAEU (economic), and CSTO (military) in collaboration with neighboring nations. However, this categorization is becoming increasingly flexible. Today, the formation of multi-faceted international organizations is prevalent, one such example is BRICS, which is yet to be recognized as an organization but is progressing towards this.
A Growing Global Platform
While the above-mentioned entities formed with Russia’s direct effort have a local-regional flavor, BRICS is an evolving initiative of an international scale. Founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, it has broadened its frontiers over the years. South Africa joined in 2011, followed by Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia in 2024. Primarily, BRICS currently serves as a dialogue platform for a swiftly expanding group of nations in the Global South.
Despite varying stances on numerous issues by member countries, two mutual beliefs exist. First, the broad attitude towards the West, where BRICS nations are generally opposed to a unipolar world order centered on the West, advocating instead replacing it with a multipolar system. Second, these countries share a common motive of prominent regional leadership. Nations with growing international renown are exploiting BRICS opportunities in an attempt to achieve more equitable distribution of global resources and participate in determining the world's destiny.
Potential Opportunities for Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is poised to sign a peace treaty with Armenia. This, together with the gradual normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and Turkey and Armenia, as well as the probable opening of regional commutations post the signing of the peace treaty offers a new spectrum of possibilities for Azerbaijan. Simultaneously, Iran's accession to BRICS and the extension of this union to the frontiers of Azerbaijan from both sides augments promising prospects for Baku. Currently, the BRICS countries contribution to global GDP is 36 percent and should inflate to 45 percent by 2040 doubling similar figures of the G7 nations.
Azerbaijan must seize this opportunity of being in the vicinity of such a gigantic economic powerhouse. It's worth noting that the western route of the North-South corridor that connects BRICS nations like India, Iran, and Russia transverse through Azerbaijan. And with the expansion of BRICS, mutual trade growth is inevitable amongst the grouping via South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan.
The two factors uniting the BRICS nations also hold relevance for Azerbaijan. As it collaborates with the West, it similarly refuses to accept its dictates and advocates for an egalitarian partnership. Besides, Azerbaijan leads the region in many respects.
The anticipated peace with Armenia will mark the beginning of a new chapter for not just our nation, but the entire region. And based on the needs of this new era, Baku should amplify its collaboration with prospective partners and contemplate joining BRICS.
