Expansion worries

On August 22, the heads of government of the Brics nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — are due to meet for a summit. Ahead of this meeting, however, major questions have already begun to emerge about the possible expansion of the grouping. It has been reported that China is enthusiastic about introducing additional members. Brazil and India are less so, both about the idea and about Beijing’s preferred additions. This difference goes to the heart of what Brics may represent and whether it is capable of living up to its potential as a counterweight to West-dominated multilateral structures.