The Fate of the BRICS Depends on Xi and Modi

The four leaders of the BRICS countries and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pose for a "family photo" on the summit's first day in Johannesburg. Handout / RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP

Forget about everything that you’ve heard about this week’s BRICS summit in Johannesburg because none of it matters.

The fact that Putin didn’t go in person seems important, right? No, not really. What about the idea of a dollar-killing BRICS currency? It’s not going to happen. And all of those countries that want to join, isn’t that a big deal? Sure, but remember if a group comprised of just five members hasn’t accomplished much in eight years, it’s going to get easier with more states around the table.

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by Eric Olander

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