Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the global economic and political landscape, but nowhere is its impact more intriguing—and potentially disruptive—than among the BRICS nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. While the original article highlights the growing momentum around AI at the 16th BRICS Summit, let’s dig deeper into what this really means for these emerging powerhouses—and for the world at large.
Why This Matters
- Collective AI development among BRICS could reshape the global balance of power. While the US and EU often dominate the AI conversation, BRICS nations represent over 40% of the world’s population and more than a quarter of global GDP. Their collaboration could challenge the West’s tech hegemony.
- Addressing shared challenges—like climate change, trade efficiency, and cybersecurity—requires multinational cooperation. AI could be the glue that binds these efforts, enabling more strategic responses to regional and global threats.
What Most People Miss
- It’s not just about technology—it’s about geopolitical leverage. By pooling resources, BRICS can negotiate better terms with tech giants, set their own AI standards, and reduce dependency on Western tech infrastructure.
- China’s dominance is both a blessing and a challenge. While China’s AI advancements provide a springboard, they also create internal imbalances, leading to concerns about equitable benefits across the bloc.
- Ethical governance isn’t just a checkbox. BRICS nations have unique social and political landscapes. Creating common AI ethics will be far more complex than it sounds, especially considering surveillance and civil liberties concerns.
Key Takeaways
- BRICS joint AI initiatives can accelerate technological progress, but only if internal rivalries and trust issues are managed.
- There’s a real opportunity for BRICS to set alternative standards for ethical AI, counterbalancing Western-centric models.
- AI will both disrupt and create jobs. According to the World Economic Forum, AI could displace 85 million jobs globally by 2025, but also create 97 million new roles. For BRICS, the balance between disruption and opportunity will depend on investment in education and upskilling.
- Maritime trade and cybersecurity stand to benefit immediately. AI-driven logistics could slash customs delays, while improved cyber defenses are critical as digital threats escalate.
Timeline: BRICS and AI Collaboration
- 2015-2020: Initial discussions and bilateral AI initiatives among members.
- 2023: Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation, including AI and high-performance computing.
- 2024-2025: Emergence of joint R&D projects, pilot programs in cross-border data sharing, and the start of ethical AI framework discussions.
Pros & Cons Analysis
- Pros:
- Boosted innovation at lower costs through resource pooling
- Shared data for improved decision-making
- Potential to create a Global South-centric digital ecosystem
- Cons:
- Disparities in AI readiness and infrastructure
- Complex ethics and regulatory alignment
- Risk of job displacement without robust transition policies
Action Steps for BRICS
- Establish a BRICS AI Ethics Council with rotating leadership
- Invest jointly in AI talent pipelines and education
- Prioritize open but secure data exchange models
- Launch pilot projects in AI-powered trade, healthcare, and environmental protection
“AI is not just a tool, but a test of whether emerging economies can cooperate for mutual benefit—without falling into old patterns of exploitation or distrust.”
The Bottom Line
If BRICS can navigate internal differences and set a new standard for ethical, inclusive AI development, they could redefine the future of technology governance. Their success (or failure) will have ripple effects far beyond their borders, shaping the digital destiny of the Global South and challenging the current rules of the tech game.