BRICS+ Series: What the US-Russia Trade Resurgence Means for Global Geopolitics
Despite ongoing political tensions, US-Russia trade surged to a two-year high in March 2025, revealing the limits of Western sanctions and the persistence of economic interdependence. Driven by US demand for Russian raw materials, this resurgence reflects a broader shift toward pragmatic multipolarism, where geopolitical rivalry coexists with trade necessity—reshaping global multilateralism in a fractured but interconnected world.
BRICS+ Series: Lithium Powerhouse Bolivia in BRICS
Bolivia having been welcomed as a partner nation within the BRICS economic alliance, marks a major milestone in its foreign policy. President Luis Arce emphasises the strategic significance of the country’s integration into the bloc.
BRICS+ Series: Egypt's Closed Rafah Crossing
Egypt faces a humanitarian crisis as Israel's military actions close the Rafah border crossing, Gaza's only lifeline. Egypt's role has shifted since its 1979 peace treaty with Israel, and as a BRICS nation, it faces pressure to act amidst a humanitarian crisis. With over a million Palestinians trapped, displaced and international courts demanding action, Egypt's decisions will impact regional dynamics and its global standing.
‘No winner in tariff wars’: Chinese Consul-General Pan Qingjiang addresses Wits students
Chinese Consul-General Pan Qingjiang welcomed Wits University students back from an enlightening tour of China,.
BRICS+ Series: Saudi Arabia’s First Sovereign Green Bond A Milestone in Sustainable Finance
Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward sustainable finance with the issuance of its first sovereign green bond in February 2025. The bond received an overwhelming response from global investors, being oversubscribed six times. This strong demand underscores growing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economic outlook and its commitment to environmentally responsible investment opportunities.
BRICS+ Series: China’s Expanding Digital & E-commerce Economy
China is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen its economy and global influence, with a strong focus on sectors like healthcare, finance, and public security. By implementing AI in areas such as diagnostics and autonomous vehicles. China aims to drive significant advancements. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai are becoming key hubs for AI innovation, supported by government initiatives, research zones, and financial incentives.
BRICS+ Series: How the BRICS Reserve Arrangement is Challenging Western Financial Dominance
As BRICS expands with new members in 2025, its Contingent Reserve Arrangement is evolving from a simple financial safety net into a powerful instrument of economic sovereignty. This analysis examines how the CRA is challenging IMF dominance, supporting Global South economies, and reshaping international finance without Western-imposed austerity measures.
Trump: the wave of the right and the plight of the left
Donald Trump's presidency has triggered a seismic shift in global politics, empowering right-wing movements while challenging traditional alliances.
The Changing US-Russia Relationship Under Trump: A Catalyst for Multipolarity?
President Trump's dramatic shift in US-Russia relations is sending shockwaves through Europe and beyond. By suspending military aid to Ukraine and seeking rapprochement with Moscow, Trump may be inadvertently accelerating the emergence of a multipolar world order, forcing European powers to reconsider their strategic alliances and security frameworks. This analysis explores the far-reaching implications of this geopolitical realignment.