BRICS, the West, and the world order: Orientation in uncertain times

The BRICS group of countries has been the focus of increasing international attention for several years. With the expansion of the alliance, growing economic indicators, and ever-changing geopolitical interpretations, there is a great need for classification. A recent editorial in the online magazine of M. Schall Verlag therefore takes a detailed look at what BRICS actually is - and what it is not.

In around 8,000 words, the article traces the development of the group of countries from its origins in the financial crisis to the current rounds of expansion. The aim is not to take a position, but to make connections understandable and to clarify common misunderstandings.

From investment idea to political platform

The article shows that BRICS was not originally a political counterproject to the West. The term originated in the financial world and initially described growing economies with long-term potential. Only later did it develop into a diplomatic format.

This historical perspective helps to objectify today's debates. Instead of rushing to label things, the text focuses on the question of which structural changes in the global economy have led to the emergence of new forms of coordination.

Economic mass - but no unified power

One focus of the analysis is on the often misunderstood economic dimension. The editorial clearly distinguishes between purchasing power, nominal gross domestic product, trade structures, and financial market influence. This makes it clear that large numbers alone do not create a unified geopolitical capacity for action.

BRICS appears here neither as a future superpower nor as a meaningless roundtable, but as a heterogeneous network with real weight and clear internal boundaries.

Currencies and payment methods without revolutionary rhetoric

Particular attention is paid to the debate on de-dollarization and alternative financial structures. The article makes it clear that this is less about overthrowing existing systems and more about diversification and risk minimization.

Many developments are technical, gradual, and far less dramatic than headlines might suggest at first glance.

The Western view - between projection and uncertainty

Another chapter is devoted to the question of why BRICS was long underestimated in the West and later interpreted in some quarters as a threat. The article describes how familiar models of thinking can lead to new formats being either misclassified or oversimplified.

The text neither ignores nor dramatizes criticism. Rather, it advocates a differentiated view that goes beyond camp thinking.

Europe and Germany face strategic questions

According to the editorial, the question for Europe, and Germany in particular, is not so much one of approval or rejection, but rather one of capacity to act. In a multipolar world, flexible relationships, economic openness, and diplomatic channels of communication are becoming increasingly important.

The article is intended as an invitation to self-reflection: Which interests are central? Where are new dependencies emerging? And how can we remain proactive instead of merely reactive?

A contribution to objectifying the debate

The author expressly does not pursue an alarmist goal with this publication. Rather, the editorial aims to help readers cope with complexity and view global developments in their long-term perspective. BRICS is described as a symptom of a world in transition - not as a finished new order.

Especially in times of rapid opinion-forming, the article focuses on patient explanation, historical context and sober analysis. Frequently asked questions

* Why is another article on BRICS necessary?
Because many debates on BRICS are conducted in a highly abbreviated manner. Slogans often dominate, while historical background, institutional details, and economic differences receive too little attention. The editorial attempts to close this gap. It classifies developments, distinguishes between political expectations and real possibilities, and helps to better understand the topic independently of current news reports.

* Is BRICS a threat to the West or not?
The article avoids precisely this exaggeration. BRICS is presented neither as an adversary nor as a promise of salvation, but as an expression of shifting global balances. For Western countries, this means above all the need to review their own strategies and develop new levels of dialogue, rather than reflexively resorting to defensiveness or arrogance.

* What distinguishes this editorial from many other publications?
The text deliberately avoids alarmism. It works with historical lines, economic indicators, and institutional realities. This creates a picture that is more complex, but also more robust. Readers are not given a slogan, but a tool for further reflection.

* Why does the article make such a strong distinction between purchasing power and nominal GDP?
Because the two indicators convey different messages. Purchasing power describes the economic mass within a country, while nominal GDP reflects international financial and trading power to a greater extent. Ignoring this difference quickly leads to exaggerated or distorted assessments.

* Is BRICS really about replacing the dollar?
The article shows that this idea is mostly an exaggeration. In practice, it is more about creating additional settlement channels and alternatives to reduce dependencies. This is a long-term, technical process and not a revolutionary announcement.

* Why does Europe play such a major role in the analysis? Because developments surrounding BRICS directly affect Europe - economically, politically, and strategically. The editorial asks how Europe and Germany can protect their interests when global power relations change. It is therefore about self-positioning, not taking sides.

* Does the article offer concrete solutions or recommendations?
No, and that is a conscious choice. Instead of ready-made answers, the article provides orientation and background knowledge. The aim is to improve the quality of the discussion and to highlight areas where decisions can be made.

* Who will find this editorial particularly interesting?
Above all, readers who want to understand how international politics works beyond the quick headlines. Entrepreneurs, journalists, those interested in politics, and students will find a structured, long-term classification here.

M. Schall Verlag
Hackenweg 97
26127 Oldenburg
Germany

https://markus-schall.com
Mr. Markus Schall
info@schall-verlag.de

M. Schall Verlag was founded in 2025 by Markus Schall - out of a desire to publish books that provide clarity, stimulate thought, and consciously escape the hectic flow of the zeitgeist. The publishing house does not see itself as a mass marketplace, but as a curated platform for content with attitude, depth, and substance.

The focus is on topics such as personal development, crisis management, social dynamics, technological transformation, and critical thinking. All books are written out of genuine conviction, not market analysis, and are aimed at readers who are looking for guidance, insight, and new perspectives.

The publishing house is deliberately designed to be compact, independent, and with high standards in terms of language, content, and design. M. Schall Verlag is based in Oldenburg (Lower Saxony) and plans to publish in multiple languages, including German and English.

This release was published on openPR.