📖 Word of the week: "Protectionism"

What is protectionism? We often hear this word in the context of international trade and economic policy. Protectionism is an economic strategy aimed at protecting a country's domestic production from foreign competition. It is implemented through the imposition of tariffs, quotas, subsidies and other barriers that restrict the free access of foreign goods and services to the market.

⭐ Origins of the concept

The term "protectionism" comes from the Latin word "protectio", which means "defence, protection". As an economic phenomenon, it first took shape in the New Age, in the XVI-XVII centuries, when European powers began to actively apply mercantilist policy. The main goal of mercantilism was to increase the country's wealth through control over exports and imports. Protectionism then became a tool by which countries increased the income of the state treasury and developed their industry.

🌍 Historical example

The first widely known example of the use of protectionism can be considered to be British policy during the Navigation Acts of the 17th century. These Acts restricted trade on British ships, ensuring that national interests outweighed foreign interests.

Another example is the economic policy of the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The country actively used high tariffs to protect its young and rapidly growing industry from competition from more developed European economies.

📊 Protectionism and BRICS

An interesting connection between protectionism and modern international blocs such as #BRICS emerges here. Although the BRICS countries officially declare a commitment to free trade, intra-bloc policies often include elements of protectionism. For example, China actively uses state subsidies to support key sectors of the economy, while India imposes import barriers to protect its agricultural and manufacturing base.

BRICS, as a bloc of developing economies, seeks to find a balance between the protection of national interests and the desire for multilateral cooperation. This is why combating economic inequality and supporting local producers are among the main themes within the bloc.

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #wordoftheweek

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Global Times emphasises importance of multilateralism in countering US unilateralism

GT emphasises the importance of multilateralism in countering US unilateralism, especially within the BRICS countries. As aggressive US tariff policies undermine global trade, BRICS countries and other emerging economies should deepen regional cooperation and use multilateral mechanisms to protect their interests.

Key points:
✔Relevance of BRICS: Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira notes that BRICS is "more relevant than ever" and favours "more multilateralism" to overcome the crisis of multilateralism;
✔Impact of US policy: the "America First" policy has disrupted supply chains and created uncertainty, which has severely affected developing countries;
✔Role of #BRICS: BRICS countries play a crucial role in the development of multilateralism as they account for a large proportion of the world's population, GDP and trade. They aim to reform global governance and create a fairer trading system;
✔Mutual dependence: both the US and the BRICS benefit from their economic relationships, which emphasises the need for balanced trade policies;
✔Global co-operation: the BRICS should speak with one voice to protect the economic interests of the South and contribute to the stability of the global economy.

In this way, the BRICS countries play a key role in developing multilateral relations to counterbalance US unilateralism, emphasising the need for a fairer world economic order.

The article expresses the personal opinion of the author. It may not coincide with the position of the editorial board of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia.

#OPINION #trade #finance #cooperation

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👩‍🚀 📹 "BRICS countries offer weapons-free space," a Russian cosmonaut states

💬 "BRICS is the key to preventing an arms race in space. I hope more countries join the grouping," Oleg Artemyev said in an interview with Head of Sputnik News Olga Lisogor at NXT conclave 2025.

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🔸 Sputnik Africa | X 🔸

Pakistan to buy stake in BRICS New Development Bank

Pakistan plans to invest $582 million to acquire a 1.1% share in the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite its current dependence on the Bretton Woods economic system, Pakistan seeks to join the NDB to diversify its financial resources.

On September 25, 2024, the IMF's Executive Board approved a 37-month, $7 billion financial assistance package for Pakistan, with the first tranche of $1.1 billion already disbursed.

Established in 2014 by the #BRICS nations the $100 billion NDB aims to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects across BRICS and other developing countries.

#NEWS #Pakistan #NDB #finance

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Moscow and Ankara ready for quick coordination

There will be opportunities for high-level contacts between Moscow and Ankara whenever necessary, as their relations are robust enough to be coordinated within hours, according to Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"If needed, there will be contacts at the highest level. Our relations are so strong and functional that all necessary contacts are coordinated within hours," the Kremlin spokesman stated, highlighting the efficiency of communication between the two nations.

During the #BRICS summit in Kazan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his anticipation for a visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin "in the near future." The Russian leader reassured his Turkish counterpart, emphasising his commitment to making the visit happen. This demonstrates the ongoing engagement and collaboration between Russia and Turkey on the international stage.

#NEWS #Türkiye #Turkey #RussiaTurkey #Summit

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Interview with Vsevolod Sviridov for BRICS Talk: Bridging Ideas

The BRICS Expert Council—Russia presents the third interview in the 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 🔤🔤🔤🔤 series, featuring Vsevolod Sviridov, Deputy Director of HSE University Centre for African Studies.

Join us as we delve into:
✔ The newly released analytical handbook "Africa 2025: Prospects and Challenges" prepared by HSE University experts
✔ The transformative impact of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, which has reshaped the African agenda and opened up new avenues for cooperation
✔ The pivotal role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in propelling infrastructure projects and fostering sustainable development throughout Africa

Our guest also shares his personal experiences of traveling across Africa, offering unique insights into the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

BRICS Talk: Bridging Ideas is a series of exclusive interviews with leading experts, researchers, and practitioners deeply involved in key areas of the BRICS agenda. Our guests discuss current trends and challenges facing the group and explore essential topics related to cooperation among member nations.
We are also asking our guests questions that allow us to reveal a new side of them: about their life path, sources of motivation, and personal interests.

🎞 Link to the interview

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilVIDEO #BRICSTalk

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BRICS to continue de-dollarising trade, ignoring Trump's threats

BRICS countries are set to persist in de-dollarising their trade, disregarding threats from US President Donald Trump, according to a report by the portal UOL.

During the first meeting of the #BRICS chief negotiators in 2025, member countries affirmed their determination to ignore Trump's threats and continue efforts to create a system that enables the use of local currencies in trade among bloc members.

Brazil's representatives emphasised that the country currently exports more to BRICS partners than to the United States and Europe.

"Despite our significant contribution to the global economy, trade between BRICS members is still far below its potential," stated Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

#NEWS #Brazil #USA #finance #trade

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Russia-China alliance to develop edtech projects in the sphere of industry and education

The Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) has signed a memorandum with Tang Chinese Education & Technology corporation to establish an alliance in industry and education.

"The Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) and Tang Chinese Education & Technology corporation created an alliance in the sphere of industry and education, they signed a corresponding memorandum. The parties plan to develop joint standards for professional education and develop edtech projects (development and use of innovative digital solutions for education) within the framework of the Russian-Chinese alliance in the sphere of industry and education," the ASI report said.

Mikhail Makarov, Director of the International Cooperation Department of ASI's Technology Division, highlighted that ASI and Tang's projects intersect in many areas. He emphasised that collaboration in developing quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and new materials could be particularly promising.

Li Jinsong, founder and president of Tang, pointed out that the main objective of this joint initiative is to enhance the quality of education and elevate the level of industrial development. He mentioned that technological sovereignty is a pressing issue in both countries, necessitating the exchange of experiences on this topic with the #BRICS countries.

#NEWS #RussiaChina #education #technology

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Vietnam and China collaborate to enhance higher education

Vietnam and China have partnered to explore new opportunities and tackle challenges in higher education. A major outcome of this collaboration is the proposal to establish a joint AI research center. This initiative aims to unite universities, businesses, and leading global partners to foster innovation and advance AI applications across various disciplines. Experts anticipate that the research centre will significantly contribute to technological advancements in AI.

To further solidify their partnership, Vietnam and China signed a student exchange agreement, building on a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in August 2024. This programme offers students the opportunity for tuition-free exchanges, full credit recognition, and extensive support services, including accommodation, healthcare, and language training. The initiative is designed to provide a vibrant and multicultural learning environment, promoting international collaboration and career development.

Looking ahead, the two countries plan to introduce executive management training courses specifically tailored for Vietnamese business leaders and government officials. In the future, cooperation in this field will be closer, as Vietnam is ready to join #BRICS as a partner state.

#NEWS #Vietnam #ChinaVietnam #AI #education

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UAE participates in first BRICS sherpa meeting of 2025

The United Arab Emirates took part in the first BRICS Sherpa meeting of 2025, held in Brasilia, Brazil's capital, following the country's assumption of the BRICS chairship for the year.

The UAE delegation was led by Khamis Al Shemaili, Secretary-General of the Council for Diplomatic and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Assistant Sherpa of the UAE to the BRICS group.

Discussions during the meeting centred on the priorities outlined by the Brazilian chairship, including bolstering health sector collaboration, financing initiatives to combat climate change, and advancing trade and investment ties.

On the sidelines of the event, the UAE delegation engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with representatives from Egypt, Russia, Brazil, and Ethiopia. These discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring areas of mutual interest.

The UAE's active involvement in #BRICS meetings reflects its unwavering commitment to fostering coordinated global action and multilateral cooperation, emphasising principles that promote peace, stability, and prosperity on a global scale.

#NEWS #UAE #diplomacy

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Myanmar Prime Minister visits Moscow to strengthen bilateral ties with Russia

On Monday, 3 March, Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing's plane arrived at Moscow. He was welcomed by a guard of honour and a Russian delegation led by Minister of Economic Development Maksim Reshetnikov. Also present were representatives from the Myanmar embassy in Moscow and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian President's special representative for the Middle East and Africa.

Min Aung Hlaing is set to meet with President Vladimir Putin. The leaders will discuss avenues for enhancing Russian-Myanmar cooperation along with addressing pressing international issues.

The visit will culminate in a joint statement and the signing of several intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements. Additionally, a Russian-Myanmar business forum, bringing together government and business representatives from both nations, will take place in Moscow on 5 March.

Earlier, the Minister of Information of the Republic, Maung Maung, stated that Myanmar would like to participate in the #BRICS as an observer country.

#NEWS #Myanmar #RussiaMyanmar #diplomacy

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BRICS CCI WE сelebrates women changemakers at 5th Annual Women’s Summit 2025

The 5th BRICS CCI WE Annual Women’s Summit & Felicitations 2025 was held in India, dedicated to honoring the spirit of women-led development. This year’s theme, "Women Changemakers: Transforming the World, Shaping the Future", showcased the influential role of women in shaping a better tomorrow.

The summit was enriched by the participation of official representatives from various nations, including Venezuela, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the Russian Federation, Australia, the USA, the Republic of China, Belarus, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Israel, and the South African High Commission.

The event concluded with the Convocation Ceremony of the 2nd Edition of the #BRICS CCI WE Global Women Leadership Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at mentoring and empowering emerging women leaders across industries. This impactful programme was organised by BRICS CCI WE in collaboration with Nippon Paint India, further demonstrating the collective effort to elevate women’s leadership globally.

#NEWS #equality

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Voice of the Global South

The 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan highlighted why more nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE, have sought membership. These are major energy producers, while Egypt and Ethiopia are key African economies investing in infrastructure and trade networks. Collaboration, especially with China, has brought development milestones and offers a model for South-South cooperation. Yet, the bloc also reflects shared goals of reforming global governance to make it more balanced and inclusive.

🗣️ Misconceptions about BRICS

Western narratives often misrepresent #BRICS as anti-Western or as challenging the US dollar’s dominance. In reality, BRICS amplifies the Global South's voice, promotes trade, fosters institutional reform, and supports multipolarity. De-dollarization fears are misplaced, as BRICS members hold significant dollar reserves. The New Development Bank ($32 billion approved for 96 projects since 2016) complements—not replaces—institutions like the IMF. Speculation about a common BRICS currency is overstated, as such a move faces significant economic and political hurdles.

🚀 Towards fairer global governance

BRICS aims to reform, not weaken, the global order. It advocates equitable governance and addresses gaps ignored by Western nations. Increasing recognition of the Global South’s demands signals the pressing need for inclusive standards in finance, trade, and multilateral relations.

The article expresses the personal opinion of the author. It may not coincide with the position of the editorial board of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia.

#OPINION #NDB #politics

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HSE University hosts discussions on coordinating Russia's initiatives within the Women's Twenty

On February 24, the Durasov House, a part of HSE University’s Pokrovka Campus, became the setting for a meeting of the Russian Chapter of the Women Twenty (W20) Working Group. Focused on education, the digital divide, and artificial intelligence (AI), the event brought together prominent experts, including Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia and Vice Rector at HSE University, alongside Evgeniy Terentev, Oksana Sinyavskaya, Maya Mlyakova, Fuad Aleskerov, Olga Savinskaya, and Sergey Kosaretsky. Together, the participants explored strategies to advance Russia’s scientific, educational, and technological initiatives on the global stage.

Victoria Panova, Vice Rector at HSE University, Head of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia, and Sherpa of Russia in W20, opened the meeting highlighting the significance of Russia’s initiatives as part of cooperation with the G20 countries.

"Russia and HSE University in particular have multiple innovative projects in science and technology. Through various formats, we have the opportunity to promote our vision, initiatives, and standards through global international organisations,” she noted.

Dr Panova also underscored the importance of advancing language projects and fostering specialist exchanges in regional studies to deepen cross-border collaboration in national languages.

The February 24 meeting marked a significant milestone in aligning Russian initiatives within the Women’s Twenty (W20), highlighting Russia's pivotal role in shaping discussions under the South Africa's Presidency in the G20. Participants concluded the session by voicing a shared commitment to further collaboration, focusing on developing recommendations for AI-driven educational programmes, promoting gender equality in access to opportunities, and bridging the digital divide. Plans were also set in motion to actively engage with international partners, fostering the exchange of best practices and advancing Russian technologies on the global stage.

This meeting is a part of a broader tapestry of international cooperation projects. Recent events have included meeting of W20 Delegation Heads, meetings of W20 Working Group Co-Chairs reflecting on the group’s decade-long contributions, and regular sessions of the Think 20 (T20). These events are united by a common goal: to deepen collaboration and drive solutions for key global challenges.

Earlier this year, Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council – Russia, was appointed Co-Chair of two W20 working groups and invited by South African colleagues to join the Think 20 (T20) as the sole Russian representative. The T20, a key G20 engagement group, functions as a "bank of ideas," uniting leading think tanks and top-level experts to address policy issues central to the G20 agenda.

@hse_official

#NEWS #HSEUniversity #G20 #W20 #T20 #education

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BRICS and the rise of a multipolar world

In an article by China Daily, the author states that BRICS is essential for a future in which all nations, and not just those with the loudest voices or the greatest military might, have a seat at the table.

Despite claims like President Trump's assertion that BRICS is "dead," the bloc continues to assert itself as a major global force. With Indonesia officially joining and Malaysia becoming a partner in January 2025, #BRICS now represents over half the world's population and nearly 45% of global GDP. Brazil's launch of the BRICS 2025 vision underscores the group's forward trajectory.

At the Munich Security Conference in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi articulated a vision of multipolarity that is reflected in BRICS' operating principles. His emphasis on ensuring that "all countries, big or small, would be heard" and his advocacy for the centrality of the United Nations and international law reflect the core tenets of the BRICS diplomacy and international relations.

In stark contrast to the US preference for bilateralism, BRICS champions consensus-driven multilateralism, giving developing nations a stronger voice. Its structure ensures all member states, regardless of size, contribute to its agenda, bolstering trust and resisting external manipulation. As its expansion continues, including deeper ties with the Global South, BRICS reinforces its legitimacy as a stabilising force in an increasingly multipolar world.

The article expresses the personal opinion of the author. It may not coincide with the position of the editorial board of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia.

#OPINION #equality #diplomacy

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Jaishankar: BRICS success reflected in growing membership

The member countries of BRICS act correctly, which is seen in the fact that there are so many aspirants willing to join the group, India’s Foreign Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar stated during his visit to Britain.

"I think clearly they must be doing something right, if so many countries want to join BRICS and so many countries actually have joined BRICS," he said.

Jaishankar highlighted that #BRICS initially began with four member countries:

"South Africa joined, then it has become a double-digit membership. And in 2024, last year in Kazan, we also added dialogue partners, the concept of dialogue partners," he explained.

He further described BRICS as "a very diverse group."

"We are an exception to the normal rules on which groups are formed. Normally countries that approximate geographically to each other or have some particular shared history or some kind of ethnic or linguistic commonality, this is normally the basis to create a group. Now, BRICS defies all those assumptions. So it's not like the Commonwealth, it's not like the #NATO, it's not like the #G7. It's not like anything which had been conceptualised early," the minister underscored.

#NEWS #India #Summit

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Indonesia's BRICS accession underscored by Prabowo's self-interest

In his 2025 Annual Press Statement, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono justified President Prabowo Subianto's decision for Indonesia to join BRICS, highlighting it as a personal accomplishment and positioning Indonesia as an advocate for developing countries. This move aligns with Indonesia’s "independent and active" (bebas aktif) foreign policy and bolsters Prabowo’s ambition to lead the Global South.

Joining BRICS offers potential benefits by presenting an alternative to Western-centric groups and expanding export markets, given BRICS’ significant global GDP and population share. However, these benefits are currently more symbolic. Prabowo faces competition from established leaders within BRICS, such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

China's dominance in #BRICS and its role as Indonesia's largest trading partner further complicate the potential economic gains for Indonesia. While Prabowo seeks international recognition and achievements in his early presidency, these aspirations may not align with a clear strategy to enhance Indonesia’s leadership in the Global South.

The article expresses the personal opinion of the author. It may not coincide with the position of the editorial board of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia.

#OPINION #Indonesia #economics

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