Putin's much ado about the BRICS summit

The BRICS grouping being unable to address the most demanding security crises and economic challenges in a meaningful way is hardly a surprise. The more states from Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East that gather around the negotiating table—set this time by Russia—the greater the scope of differences present, preventing any joint stance. Multi-polarity, about which Moscow is so eager to expound, is a major feature of interactions in the Global South—in contrast with the unity of purpose in the West. This unity can never be taken for granted, but Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which brings concern and confusion to many around the globe, has prompted the West to reform a coalition that stands for upholding the foundations of the world order. This new solidarity is and will be constantly tested in the course of the long war, but Ukraine’s resilience and courage keep generating the centripetal momentum.