Cuba has officially applied to join the BRICS as a member, a step that underlines Havana's view of this bloc as a key player in global geopolitics
By Roberto Morejón
At a time when there is a palpable rift between developing countries, Cuba has officially applied to join the BRICS as a member, a step that underlines Havana's view of this bloc as a key player in global geopolitics.
Hailed as a hope by the largest of the Antilles and many countries of the South, the BRICS represent a plausible alternative in a world dominated by spaces dominated by the most powerful, such as the Group of 7.
Initially formed in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the grouping was joined this year by Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iran, hence the name Brics+.
The role and influence of this group of countries in the international sphere is growing rapidly, as they operate from a position outside the current world order, which is unjust and hostile, and which has been designed by the industrialized North and the big transnational corporations.
The current international order is only effective for minorities and needs to be transformed, a position in which Cuba agrees with the BRICS and other nations of the South, which is why the presence of President Miguel Díaz-Canel at the summit of the bloc in South Africa in 2023 stood out.
The largest of the Antilles attended the meeting in its capacity as pro tempore president of the Group of 77 and China, and the common ground with the BRICS was highlighted, including the need to move towards a multipolar order as a counterweight to the United States and the Western powers.
Cuba, whose foreign policy advocates peace, respect for sovereignty and independence, and rejection of unilateral coercive measures such as the US blockade, highlights the convergence of positions with the BRICS on many issues of the foreign policy agenda.
If the Caribbean nation is accepted, it will be an opportunity to channel into this podium issues common to the global South, such as the need for a more stable, predictable and diversified international monetary order, and also the defense of a model of cooperation based on solidarity and shared benefits, without interference in the internal affairs of countries.
Without being an anti-Western or anti-American bloc, as some claim, the BRICS are increasingly attracting public attention.
