The Decline of the American Empire and the Rise of a New Global Order

From fractured alliances to the petroyuan, the world is witnessing a historic shift in power and influence. 

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By Ruzeki | Shadoww News | April 19, 2026 

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What's happening in 2026 
The geopolitical landscape in 2026 is almost unrecognizable compared to just a few years ago. Under Donald Trump’s chaotic regime, the United States is facing an unprecedented level of international isolation and strategic pushback, challenging the very foundations of its decades-long global dominance. 

Key events; from military miscalculations to economic policy shifts, have accelerated a historic reshaping of military, economic, and strategic power. Experts warn that the U.S. has approached a tipping point in its global influence, as rival powers consolidate and assert themselves with unprecedented confidence. 

Fractured Alliances: NATO and Europe Push Back 
Once-solid alliances are showing cracks. NATO and European partners are increasingly distancing themselves from Washington’s unilateral military decisions. Countries like Germany, France, Spain, the U.K and Italy have openly questioned U.S. strategic priorities, particularly in the Middle East and Central America, signaling deep dissatisfaction with Trump’s approach. 

Analysts suggest that this rift may not be temporary, long-term trust has eroded. The implications are profound: the U.S. can no longer assume automatic military or political support from its traditional allies, forcing Washington to reconsider how it projects power globally. Additionally, independent European defense and economic initiatives like engaging with China are accelerating, signaling a gradual move toward strategic shift. 

Middle East Tensions Escalate to Historic Levels 
The Middle East has entered a volatile new phase. An unprovoked U.S.-Israel missile campaign in Iran resulted in the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, top military generals, and hundreds of civilians, including schoolchildren. Iran responded swiftly, targeting U.S. bases and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, as well as Israel itself. The strikes have inflicted heavy losses on American forces and allies, raising serious questions about U.S. military supremacy in the region. 

In the aftermath, Gulf nations have begun withdrawing support for U.S. operations, closing bases, and restricting airspace access. This represents a dramatic reversal of decades of strategic partnerships and has left the U.S. with diminished operational freedom in a region it has dominated for decades. 

Analysts warn that these changes could permanently alter power dynamics in the Middle East, emboldening regional powers like Iran and potentially sparking new alliances that bypass U.S. imperialism. 

Iran Controls the Strait of Hormuz 
Iran has asserted unprecedented control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint through which approximately 20% of global oil passes. Tehran now enforces strict transit rules and collects tolls from vessels navigating the Strait, with fees mandated in Chinese yuan rather than U.S. dollars. This move is a direct challenge to the petrodollar system that has underpinned American financial dominance for six decades. 

The implications extend far beyond energy markets. By controlling this strategic chokepoint, Iran can influence global oil supply and pricing while asserting its geopolitical weight. International shipping companies and energy-dependent nations are now forced to navigate this new reality, potentially reshaping maritime security, trade alliances, and global economic dependencies. 

The Rise of the Petroyuan 
The shift from dollar-based oil transactions to yuan-based trade is accelerating a transformation in global finance. BRICS+ bloc has been planning for this shift for years. Major oil producers are now increasingly conducting transactions in Chinese yuan, undermining the supremacy of the U.S. dollar. Economists warn that the petroyuan is not merely a symbolic gesture, it represents a structural challenge to American financial influence. 

This trend may encourage other nations to diversify their reserves and trade arrangements, weakening the dollar’s role as the world’s primary reserve currency. In addition, China’s growing influence in energy markets is redefining economic power balances, allowing Beijing to leverage its currency and strategic partnerships for global political influence. 

A Multipolar World Emerges 
The events of 2026 mark a historic turning point. America’s influence is waning, traditional alliances are fracturing, and emerging powers, most notably China, Russia, and Iran, are asserting themselves on the global stage. The world is moving toward a true multipolar era, where no single nation dominates across military, economic, and strategic dimensions. 

This emerging order will require nations to navigate a far more complex geopolitical landscape. For the United States, adapting to this new reality will demand strategic recalibration back at home where Democrats must win, diplomatic finesse, and an acknowledgment that its historical leverage is no longer guaranteed. 

Meanwhile, other nations like Canada, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, North Korea, China, and Pakistan are seizing the opportunity to reshape global norms, trade, and security arrangements in ways that reflect their interests rather than those of the former hegemon. 

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The End of the Bully Era: Why the World Must Stand Against Trump's Aggression

 The World Must Stand Against Donald Trump's Madness and Aggression.

By Ruzeki | Shadoww News |January 24, 2026  

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 The world is changing, and the era of bullies is finally coming to an end. For decades, the U.S. has used its military, political influence, and economic power to shape the world to its will often at the expense of smaller nations and global stability. But the cracks in this system are becoming more visible, and it’s clear: the giant is falling, and it wants to take everyone down with it. 

At the forefront of this unraveling is none other than the current occupant of the White House; a convicted felon, a rapist, a war criminal and a pedophile, President Donald Trump. His aggressive tactics; attacking smaller nations like Venezuela, stealing resources, and bullying European allies into submission, have torn apart the fragile international order that once existed. From the Middle East to Africa, Latin America to Asia, the U.S. has left a trail of chaos, and the consequences are being felt globally. Yet, many of America’s European allies have remained complicit, standing by in silence, or worse, celebrating the devastation the U.S. has wreaked on vulnerable nations. 

The Rise of a Mad King 

Donald Trump has turned the U.S. from a global policeman to a global menace. His actions have proven he is not interested in diplomacy or peace. Instead, he acts like a dictator, wielding trade and military threats against even long-time allies. Why? Because he didn’t win the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump’s “Board of Peace,” a desperate attempt to mask his intentions, is already dead on arrival. Only Hungary’s authoritarian leader and a few puppets have shown interest, and even Russia’s Vladimir Putin has refused to join. 

At home, Trump has turned the streets of the U.S. into a battleground, terrorizing his own citizens while Congress remains silent, complicit in his destruction. But the U.S. cannot continue to act as if it’s above the law, above international norms, and above the consequences of its actions. 

The World Must Act 

Now, it’s time for the world to stand up to this madness. Countries like China, Russia, and Iran; along with other serious nations, must not remain silent while the U.S. destroys the world. These nations, along with those European countries that are willing to break free from Washington’s grip, must take the lead in creating a new world order; one based on equality, respect, and cooperation, rather than exploitation and domination. 

The current global system has allowed the U.S. to bully smaller nations, exploit resources, and destabilize regions without facing meaningful consequences. But as the U.S. weakens under Trump, it is becoming more desperate. The more it falls from grace, the more it seeks to drag everyone else down with it. We cannot let that happen. 

China, Russia, Iran, Canada, Spain, Brazil, France, Denmark, South Africa, and other responsible nations must step into leadership roles, offering alternatives to the U.S-dominated world order. The world must stand united, not only to reject U.S. hegemony but also to forge a new path forward; one that puts people over power, cooperation over conflict, and peace over perpetual war. 

Americans Must Stand Up To Trump 

But it’s not just the world that must act. The American people, too, must rise up against the madness that has taken hold of their nation. The U.S. has always prided itself on being a beacon of freedom and democracy, but under Trump, that vision has been twisted into something dangerous and destructive. 

Americans must demand an end to the chaos and get rid of the mad king who has turned their country into an international pariah. The U.S. cannot continue on this path if it hopes to regain any semblance of respect on the world stage. For this to happen, the American people need to push for change, from the streets, from the ballot box in November's midterm and 2028, and from every institution in the country. 

A Call for Decisive Action 

The time to act is now. The world is watching, and the stakes have never been higher. The U.S under Trump has become a rogue state, and the world cannot afford to let this unchecked aggression continue. Countries around the globe must rise up, reject the toxic influence of the U.S., and work together to build a more just and peaceful world. The global balance must shift, and it must shift now. 

The world must say no—and back it up with decisive actions. 

We cannot afford to wait any longer. We cannot afford to be complicit. The bully’s reign is coming to an end, and it’s time for the world to stand together and ensure that it ends in peace, not destruction. 

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Stay Informed: Top Global News Channels You Should Follow

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 
June 01, 2025 

In a world where information is power, staying updated with credible global news is more important than ever. Whether you're tracking international politics, economics, or major social movements, here are the most trusted news channels from around the world you should follow: 

🌍 International Mainstream Media: 

CNN (Cable News Network, U.S.): Known for breaking news and in-depth analysis.

NBC News (National Broadcasting Company, U.S): Offers mainstream news and powerful political commentary. 

MSNBC News (Microsoft National Broadcast Corporation, U.S.): Offers mainstream news plus unique political commentary. 

BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation, UK): Local and global coverage with a balanced tone. 

Reuters (Canada): Leading source of global news. Wire services trusted for accuracy and speed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 

Associated Press (AP, U.S.): Wire services trusted for accuracy and speed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 

France24 (France): Great for global affairs, especially Europe and Africa.

Deutsche Welle (DW, Germany): Global news with a European perspective.

WION (India): "World Is One News" — emerging as a global player with a non-Western lens.

TASS (Russia): State-run, but gives insight into Russian framing of global events. 

CGTN (China Global Television Network): China’s official English-language news outlet.

🌏 Other Regional Powerhouses: 

Press TV (Iran): State media offering Iran’s view on international affairs. 

Ahram Online (Egypt): One of the top English-language news sources from the Arab world. 

NTV Kenya: Key sources for East African and Kenyan national news. Others include KTN and K24. 

eNCA (South Africa): Leading English-language news broadcaster in Southern Africa. 

For balanced understanding, follow outlets from different regions. It helps you cut through bias and form an informed worldview. 

America on the Brink: How Trump’s Policies Are Fueling Economic Decline

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 
March 20, 2025 

 

Trump is dragging America to the brink of a full-blown recession—rising inflation, stock market crashes, and economic instability are just the beginning. 

In just two months of his so-called "concepts of a plan," the U.S. has gone from a pillar of economic strength to a volatile and unpredictable trading partner. Once the world's top investment destination, America is now hemorrhaging credibility. Global markets are rattled, investors are pulling back, and businesses are bracing for impact. 

Trump's reckless trade wars and destructive tariffs—haphazardly imposed on China, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Mexico—are suffocating industries at home while alienating allies abroad. His erratic DOGE-driven policies turn Wall Street into a casino, where economic forecasts shift on the whims of a tweet. Meanwhile, his decision to gut USAID programs, particularly in Africa, is dismantling decades of U.S. diplomatic leverage, eroding America’s soft power, and accelerating its decline in global influence. 

With these business-hostile policies, Trump is achieving only one thing: the immiseration of Americans. Jobs are vanishing, wages are stagnating, and prices are soaring—all while he insists it’s “worth it.” 

The world is losing faith in U.S. assets. Investors no longer see America as the safe bet it once was. And since power abhors a vacuum, others are stepping in. 

China is tightening its grip on global trade. Europe is forging new alliances. BRICS+ is rising. The geopolitical landscape is shifting—and under Trump, America is slipping from the throne. 

The Ongoing Push for United Nations Security Council Reform

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 
February 18, 2025  

Momentum is building for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with growing demands for expansion to better align with the current global power structure. 

Global Push for UNSC Expansion

Germany, India, Japan, and Brazil are among the leading UN members lobbying for permanent seats in the UNSC. However, their bids face strong opposition from two of the current permanent members:

• Russia opposes Germany and Japan’s inclusion.
• The United States resists Brazil and India’s bids.

Both nations have strategically used their veto power to stall reforms and counter each other's influence.

Africa’s Demand for Permanent Representation

The African Union (AU), representing 54 UN member states, has been vocal in demanding two permanent seats to ensure Africa has a stronger voice in global decision-making.

Among African nations, South Africa has emerged as a strong contender due to its economic strength, diplomatic influence, and active role in peacekeeping.

However, Africa is pushing for two permanent seats. This raises the question:
Which other African country should join South Africa in representing the continent in the UNSC?

• Nigeria – Africa’s largest economy with strong regional influence.
• Egypt – A historical diplomatic leader with control over the Suez Canal.
• Algeria – A key player in counterterrorism and Sahel security.
• Kenya – A major contributor to peacekeeping and regional stability.

Egypt and South Africa: The Best Fit for Africa

Among the contenders, Egypt and South Africa offer the strongest combination of diplomatic, military, and economic influence.

• Egypt brings global strategic importance, historical leadership, and control over the Suez Canal.
• South Africa represents Sub-Saharan Africa, has a strong democratic tradition, and plays a leading role in peacekeeping and economic affairs.

This pairing ensures balanced representation of both North and Sub-Saharan Africa in global decision-making.

Why the U.S. Resists UNSC Reform

Despite increasing pressure for reform, the United States remains reluctant to allow UNSC expansion. Here’s why:

1. Maintaining Its Dominance

   • The current UNSC structure favors U.S. influence, allowing it to veto decisions that go against its interests.
   • More permanent members could dilute U.S. power and make global decision-making harder to control.

2. Concerns Over Rival Nations

   • The U.S. opposes Brazil and India’s inclusion, fearing they could strengthen alternative alliances like BRICS+.
   • More UNSC seats could increase Russia and China’s influence if new members align with them.

3. Selective Support for Allies

   • The U.S. supports Japan and Germany, but not full UNSC reform, fearing unpredictable shifts in power.
   • It prefers NATO and bilateral alliances over restructuring global institutions.

4. Fear of a Weaker Veto Power

   • More permanent members could lead to more veto powers, making it harder for the U.S. to block decisions, especially in regions like the Middle East.

5. Political and Bureaucratic Hurdles

   • UNSC reform requires two-thirds approval in the UN General Assembly and no veto from the five permanent members (U.S., Russia, China, France, UK).
   • The U.S. sees this as too risky, as it could trigger a domino effect, allowing unexpected countries to gain influence.

Will the U.S. Ever Support UNSC Reform?

The U.S. may eventually support limited reforms, but only if it can ensure that new members align with its strategic interests.

However, as long as Russia and China hold veto power, the U.S. will likely block major changes to prevent a shift in global power.

The Future of UNSC Reform: A Long Battle Ahead

The fight for UNSC reform will be long and complex, but growing pressure from Africa, Latin America, and Asia might eventually force change.

The big question remains:
Will the world embrace a more balanced UNSC, or will the great powers keep delaying reforms?

What’s your prediction? Will reform happen, or will the status quo remain?

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Why Raila Lost the AUC election: A Geopolitical and Domestic Analysis

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 
February 15, 2025

Raila’s defeat today wasn’t just about Kenyan politics—it was shaped by Africa’s evolving geopolitical landscape, international power struggles, and internal realignments within the African Union. 

Here's a geopolitical and domestic analysis of why Raila Lost 

Raila Odinga’s recent political setback in Addis Ababa wasn’t just about local dynamics—it was influenced by regional geopolitics, international alignments, and Kenya’s internal power struggles. While many attribute his loss to domestic political maneuvers, broader global and continental forces played a critical role. 

1. Ruto’s Influence and Kenya’s Pro-US Stance 

At the center of this outcome is President William Ruto, whose government has leaned heavily towards the United States and Western allies. This shift directly clashes with China’s growing influence in Africa, forcing geopolitical realignments. Raila, seen as a more neutral figure with historical ties to both Western and Eastern blocs, may have faced indirect opposition from actors aligned with China’s interests. 

2. China’s Deep Ties with Djibouti 

Djibouti, home to China’s only overseas military base, has become a strategic outpost for Beijing’s ambitions in Africa. The country’s leadership holds significant sway within the African Union Commission (AUC) and broader continental policymaking. China operatives were busy lobbying for Djibouti's candidate Mahmoud Ali Yousouff. Given Kenya’s pro-Western alignment under Ruto, China may have found a Raila-led Kenya less geopolitically favorable, influencing power plays within African institutions. 

3. The China-US Power Games in Africa 

Africa has become a battleground for US-China rivalry, with economic, military, and political stakes at play. Ruto has aggressively courted the West, securing major deals, while countries like Ethiopia, Djibouti, and South Africa remain deeply tied to China. This broader alignment may have influenced diplomatic maneuvers within the AU, subtly impacting Raila’s chances. 

4. Conflicts in DRC and Sudan Shaping AU Priorities 

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict, coupled with Sudan’s ongoing crisis, has redirected AU’s focus towards regional security concerns. With Kenya actively involved in peace efforts—often in line with US and Western interests—Raila’s potential leadership could have disrupted existing security partnerships. The AU, influenced by multiple geopolitical actors, may have favored stability over change. 

5. Recent Political Developments in Kenya 

Domestically, Kenya has been rocked by high-profile abductions, state repression, and corruption scandals. Ruto has been accused of consolidating power through questionable means, including allegations of being among the world’s most corrupt leaders. This has tarnished Kenya’s image but also strengthened Ruto’s grip on institutions, making it difficult for Raila to mount a successful challenge. 

6. The Francophone vs. Anglophone Divide 

A longstanding but often overlooked factor in AU politics is the Francophone vs. Anglophone rivalry. France, through its traditional spheres of influence in West and Central Africa, continues to wield significant control. Kenya, an Anglophone powerhouse, often faces resistance from Francophone-aligned blocs in AU decision-making. Raila, despite his pan-African credentials, may have been a victim of these deep-seated power struggles. 

A Perfect Storm of Continental and Global Factors 

Raila’s defeat wasn’t just about Kenyan politics—it was shaped by Africa’s evolving geopolitical landscape, international power struggles, and internal realignments within the AU. As Kenya cements its pro-Western stance, China’s silent maneuvers and Africa’s internal power plays will continue shaping the region’s political future. 

New World Order: BRICS bloc welcomes six new members

By Ruzeki, Shadow News.

Summary

• BRICS adds Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE. 
• Expansion boost BRICS global strength. 
• Group leaves door open to further expansion, especially for the Global South. 
• BRICS bloc makes 27 percent of the global economy and 46 percent of the world population. 

Johannesburg, Aug 24 - The BRICS bloc of major emerging economies agreed on Thursday to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in a move aimed at accelerating its push to reshuffle a world order it sees as outdated. 

In deciding in favour of an expansion, the bloc's first in 13 years, BRICS leaders left the door open to future expansion as dozens more countries voiced desires to join a grouping they hope can level the global playing field. 

The BRICS group makes decisions by consensus. On Thursday, it agreed on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process. 

The expansion adds economic muscle to BRICS, whose current core members are China, the world's second largest economy, as well as Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. 

The expansion of the group is part of its plan to build dominance and reshape global governance into a multipolar world order that puts voices of the Global South at the centre of the world agenda. 

According to the Chinese President Xi Jinping, the membership expansion was historic. It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing nations. 

BRICS was originally BRIC, an acronym coined by Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill in 2001, the bloc was founded as an informal four-nation club in 2009 and added South Africa a year later in its only previous expansion. 

The six new members will formally become members on January 1, 2024, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said when he named the countries during a three-day XV BRICS summit he is hosting in Johannesburg. 

According to President Ramaphosa, BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous. He confirmed that the five core BRICS members had consensus on the first phase of the expansion process and other phases will follow. 

Friends and Allies lead candidates 

The countries invited to join reflect individual BRICS members' desires to bring allies into the bloc. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had vocally lobbied for neighbour Argentina's inclusion while Egypt has close commercial ties with Russia and India. 

The entry of oil superpowers Saudi Arabia and UAE highlights their drift away from the United States' orbit and ambition to become global heavyweights in their own right. 

Russia and Iran have found common cause in their shared struggle against the U.S.-led sanctions and diplomatic isolation, with their economic ties deepening in the wake of Moscow's special military operation in Ukraine. 

On Thursday, the Russian President Vladimir Putin said BRICS is not competing with anyone. President Putin is attending the summit remotely due to an international warrant for alleged war crimes. He's being represented by the world's most vocal diplomat FM Lavrov. 

Mr Putin acknowledged that the process of the emerging of a new world order still has fierce opponent. He believes the de-dollarization is irreversible. 

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi celebrated his country's BRICS invitation with a swipe at Washington, saying on Iranian television network that the expansion "shows that the unilateral approach is on the way to decay". 

Beijing is close to Ethiopia and the country's inclusion also speaks to South Africa's desire to amplify Africa's voice in global affairs. 

More than 40 countries had expressed desire in joining BRICS, and 23 formally applied to join the bloc. 

Some 50 other heads of state and leaders attended the XV BRICS Summit in South Africa, which concluded on Thursday. 

Ambitions and Results 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the Thursday's expansion announcement, reflecting the bloc's growing influence. He echoed BRICS' long-standing calls for reforms of the U.N. Security Council, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other global governance structures. 

BRICS is now home to 46% of the world's population and 27 percent of global gross domestic product. 

Bloc heavyweight China has long called for an expansion of BRICS as it seeks to challenge Western dominance, a strategy shared by Russia. 

Other BRICS members support fostering the creation of a multi-polar global order. But Brazil and India have both also been forging closer ties with the West. 

For 80 years, the United States dollar has dominated all other currencies. But BRICS is tired of the West’s looming presence over global governance and finance. The bloc is determined to take it down.  

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday in a virtual address to the BRICS summit, that the process of de-dollarisation is “irreversible” and “gaining pace". 

The US weaponises the dollar in the Russian and Iran sanctions, there is increasing desire by other developing countries to seek alternative currencies for trade, investment, and reserves, as well as developing alternative multilateral clearance systems outside of SWIFT. 

Africa-Russia Summit: Africa Turn Towards Russia for strong economic, diplomatic and security relations

By Ruzeki, Shadow News.  

What are the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Africa? 

The areas of increased co-operation between Russia and Africa are in the areas of agriculture, energy, security, education and health. 

-What are the challenges and advantages of Africa-Russia cooperation? 

Apart from Western countries putting pressure on Africa not to cooperate with Russia, the other challenges which Russia faces, regarding increasing co-operation in Africa is logistical, financial and infrastructure. The West has the advantage of dominating certain African nations economically. 

Now, the advantages that Russia has unlike Western nations is historical and cultural, Russia was never involved in colonialising Africa and during the cold war, contributed to a number of African nations gaining independence from former western colonial powers. 

-What are the positive aspects of the Russia-Africa Summit memorandum? 

- The positive aspects of the recent Russia-Africa Forum were 4 joint declarations signed between Russia and all heads of states, including the head of the African Union. 

Moreover, Russia planning to increase the number of embassies in Africa, where since the 1990s, was closed down. 

Additionally, Russia announced it will provide grain for free after its withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal, where Africa was provided with little to no grain. Importantly, Russia announced it would write off a total of $23 billion in debt obligations. 

Russia will continue grain supplies to the African continent. Actually, in 3-4 months, free grain will be sent to Africa.

The potential stumbling blocks to Russia’s ability to deliver grain is logistics, considering the risks of undersea drone attacks in the Black Sea by the Ukraine forces. 

The way to overcome this is potential setback is to increase the transit of grain via the North-South Transport Corridor to have a secure route to facilitate deliveries to Africa. 

- Reasons why a number of countries on the African continent are preparing to join the BRICS and prefer to cooperate not with Europe and the United States, but with Russia, China and their allies. 

The main reasons why BRICS looks attractive for the number of African nations wanting to join is economics. Especially, as each nation has undergone the same or similar experience of development (neo-liberalism and its disastrous effects). 

BRICS has surpassed the G7 in terms of total GDP value and wealth. The group members never interfere with a nation’s internal affairs. Especially, as certain western nations which have historically and to this day, continue to openly sponsor colour revolutions to topple governments, and force controversial policies on nations which don’t abide by their demands. 

The emergence of new multilateral institutions such as the BRICS new development bank, African Development Bank and Asian Investment Infrastructure Bank, provides a new source of funding to support key projects in African nations and breaks the monopoly of financial loaning from the World Bank and in the worst-case scenario, the I.M.F. 

Each member of the BRICS has played a key role in supporting the interests of African nations at other multilateral institutions such as the G20, supporting the application of the African Union to become a member. 

- How could Africa-Russia improve interaction in the cultural sphere? 

Russia must increase its cultural exchanges in education, sports, art and media. As these kind of exchanges are necessary to understand what makes each nation unique and areas of cooperation. 

- What is BRICS to Africa?

For Africns, the BRICS bloc provide alternative economic development models for other developing nations to pursue, instead of the failed neo-liberal policies which continue to be promoted by western nations despite the failed promises of neo-liberalist policies in Africa. 

Africa’s renewed hope for Development, Prosperity and global Power, ahead of BRICS Summit

By Ruzeki, Shadow News

What to know about the three-day BRICS meeting (Jul 24-Jul 26): 

Currently, top national security officials and senior diplomats from the BRICS bloc and other invited countries are in Johannesburg, South Africa for a three-day meeting. 

The purpose of this meeting is to have in-depth exchange of views on hotspot issues including Russia-Ukraine conflict and other global security issues of common concern, which would serve as political preparations for the leaders' summit in August. 

The meeting, which is scheduled to last from Monday to Wednesday, is chaired by South Africa's national security advisor Sydney Mufamadi, and is part of a series of BRICS meetings taking place ahead of the BRICS Summit in South Africa from August 22 to 24.  

Aside from the BRICS member states, delegates representing a record 45 countries are also joining the three-day dialogue. 

Senior finance, diplomacy and security officials from BRICS member states traditionally meet in advance to exchange views and hold detailed cooperation in preparation for the leaders' summit. 

The Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security is an important platform for BRICS countries to carry out political and security cooperation. 

The three-day meeting will help BRICS countries coordinate stances on major global security issues, practice true multilateralism and promote global peace. 

Topics covering traditional and non-traditional security threats, the Ukraine crisis, anti-terrorism and cyber security will be high on the summit's agenda. 

The wider topics covered by the BRICS meetings as well as the growing interest of more countries in joining the mechanism underscore the bigger role it is playing in global governance. 

What to know about the BRICS Summit (Aug 22- Aug 24): 

This year's summit in South Africa has attracted high attention as it is the first offline gathering of BRICS leaders for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's a milestone in the growth of the multilateral mechanism. 

South Africa has invited the heads of state of all African countries to the summit, which will discuss how BRICS countries can partner with Africa to help the continent achieve economic growth. 

With the wider attendance of African countries, more focus will be put on how to further encourage cooperation between BRICS and Africa. 

Additionally, how BRICS bloc can help implement free trade agreements in Africa and how developing countries can achieve social and economic development in the post-COVID era are expected to be discussed. 

Importantly, more developing countries and new emerging economies, which have played a significant role in regional and global affairs, have expressed interest in joining the BRICS bloc, making the expansion of the mechanism important to the global governance system. 

Discussions on expanding BRICS are expected to be high on the agenda for this week meeting as well as for the upcoming summit in August. 

More countries, especially developing countries are getting increasingly disappointed with the US and the West abuse of the current international governance and financial system for hegemonic ends. 

The BRICS' increasing attractiveness lies in its bigger role in building consensus, and more countries are seeking to join it to coordinate and work to solve problems that concern them, which worries the West led by the US. 

The BRICS bloc is leading developing countries away from the West, especially when it comes to efforts to dump the US dollar. 

Since its inception, the BRICS bloc has focused on cooperation among developing countries and not creating confrontations, which is why it has won the support of developing countries that are victims of geopolitical tricks. 

BRICS has never had the intention of being a counterweight to the West, nor will it pull together small cliques. The deeper reason behind why the West seeks to smear the mechanism is their fear of developing countries' efforts in seeking the right to speak up in international affairs. 

It is worth to note that the summit in South Africa, next month, will let the whole world see the strength of BRICS, with developing countries focusing on promoting economic development, encouraging trade and finance cooperation to make a greater contribution to global recovery and prosperity. 

Why is BRICS bloc very important for Africa: 

China and Africa are strengthening their relations, showing developing nations that it is possible and sustainable to have mutually beneficial cooperation between developing countries, there is an appetite in Africa for partnerships of equality. 

The long-term stable China-Africa relationship continues to bear fruit for Africa, for it is China that first floated the idea of expanding BRICS to include more member countries when it chaired the BRICS group in 2022. 

Ahead of next month BRICS summit, about 40 nations have expressed the desire to become members including countries in the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. South Africa's representative to BRICS has confirmed that the number is set to increase. 

For African countries, BRICS is no longer an alternative model to the G7 Western economic model, but the economic representation of the dreams and aspirations of an ambitious Africa. 

Through BRICS, Africa seeks to move from the periphery to the epicenter of decision-making and chart a viable development path for its people. 

With the expansion, BRICS will become a bigger and better economic space for the Global South community. It is therefore an economic model that prioritizes a win-win cooperation, delivering benefits for all involved, just like the China-Africa relations. 

China has held strong the position of Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. During this period the continent has recorded exponential growth and development. 

What makes BRICS an attractive development model for developing countries in Africa are the same reasons that have made China a much-valued development partner: A non-interference policy in the sovereign affairs of its development partners is a particularly important aspect of the profile of the development partner that Africa is keen to align with.