In a dramatic turn of events, the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro is unfolding under a heavy cloud of controversy and tension, with global leaders from Russia and China notably absent. As 17,000 police and soldiers surround the venue, the atmosphere resembles a military lockdown rather than a diplomatic gathering. Brazil, the host nation, is grappling with the implications of missing key figures like Russia’s Vladimir Putin—who is participating online due to an international arrest warrant—and China’s President Xi Jinping, who has opted out entirely.

This summit, originally designed to unite Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include nations such as Iran, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in the global economic landscape. With the BRICS bloc now boasting a larger share of global GDP than the G7, the stakes are high. Brazil’s presidential foreign policy adviser warns of a collapsing multilateral order, echoing fears of a return to a world disorder reminiscent of the pre-World War eras.

Despite the ambitious agenda focusing on health, climate change, and artificial intelligence cooperation, the absence of key leaders casts a shadow over the summit’s potential impact. China’s failure to rally support against Western tariff policies adds to the sense of disarray within the group. The summit is seen as a pivotal moment for the global south, aiming to challenge Western dominance and provide a platform for developing nations.

As the world watches closely, the question remains: Can this diverse coalition of countries, each with distinct political systems, forge a unified front that can genuinely reshape global governance? The tension in Rio is palpable, and the implications of this summit could resonate far beyond its borders. Stay tuned for updates as this critical story develops.