BRICS vs G7
As the global order continues to evolve in the 21st century, two major blocs have emerged as key contenders for shaping international governance: BRICS and the G7. These groupings represent different visions of world politics, economics, and development. While the G7 represents advanced industrialized democracies, BRICS seeks to create a multipolar world order with greater representation from the Global South.
With BRICS expanding its membership in 2024 and the G7 reaffirming its commitments in 2025, the divide between the two groups has never been more pronounced. This blog explores the key dimensions of this rivalry — from economic power and geopolitical influence to climate commitments and development priorities.
Background
G7: The Western Core
The Group of Seven (G7) was formed in 1975 to coordinate economic policies among the world’s richest democracies. Its members — the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan — represent around 10% of the global population but nearly 40% of global wealth. The G7 also often aligns with the European Union and NATO on strategic matters.
BRICS: Rise of the Global South
BRICS emerged in 2009, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as a counterweight to Western dominance in global financial and political institutions. By 2024, BRICS expanded to BRICS+, admitting Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE. This expansion signals an attempt to unify the Global South against perceived Western hegemony.
Membership & Expansion
G7: Stable but Exclusive
G7 membership has remained largely unchanged, and while the EU participates, the group has no formal mechanism for expansion. Its exclusivity has been both a strength and a criticism, as it excludes emerging powers like India or Brazil.
BRICS+: Growing and Inclusive
BRICS, by contrast, has embraced expansion. The BRICS+ initiative adds nations from Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, giving it a broader demographic and geographic reach. This inclusivity, however, brings challenges of cohesion, especially with internal rivalries such as India-China tensions.
Economic Power
G7 Economies
The G7 still dominates in nominal GDP, with a combined economic output exceeding $45 trillion. The US alone contributes over $25 trillion. These countries house major corporations, financial institutions, and reserve currencies.
BRICS+ Economies
In Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms, BRICS+ has overtaken the G7. China and India are economic powerhouses, while Russia remains a major energy supplier. However, BRICS members often face internal challenges such as inflation, governance issues, or sanctions.
GDP (PPP) 2025 Estimates:
G7: ~$45 trillion
BRICS+: ~$56 trillion
Global Governance & Geopolitical Influence
G7: Protecting the Status Quo
The G7 promotes a rules-based international order, often backed by military alliances like NATO. It plays a key role in organizations like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO, often using them to advance Western-led policies.
BRICS+: Advocating Multipolarity
BRICS+ calls for UN reforms, more equitable trade rules, and de-dollarization. Russia and China, in particular, challenge the unipolar dominance of the US. India and Brazil push for greater roles for developing countries in global decision-making bodies.
Development and the Global South
G7: Traditional Aid Donors
G7 nations are top contributors to development assistance. However, their model is often criticized for attaching conditions, aligning aid with strategic interests, and neglecting infrastructure needs.
BRICS+: Alternative Development Model
The New Development Bank (NDB) established by BRICS offers loans without political strings. BRICS also cooperates with the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), offering infrastructure development to the Global South, although concerns over debt sustainability persist.
Climate and Energy Policies
G7: Green Leadership
G7 countries are committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and lead initiatives in climate financing, carbon trading, and renewable tech. However, critics argue their consumption-driven economies are still among the largest polluters per capita.
BRICS+: Development First, Then Green
BRICS+ nations emphasize “common but differentiated responsibilities” in climate action. India and China have committed to net-zero targets beyond 2060. While investing in renewables, these nations continue to rely on fossil fuels for development.
Technology and Digital Governance
G7: Leading Innovation
G7 dominates Big Tech, AI development, cybersecurity, and digital governance standards. However, it also faces criticism over data colonialism, algorithmic bias, and control over global internet infrastructure.
BRICS+: Digital Sovereignty
BRICS nations are investing in independent digital systems — from India’s Digital Public Infrastructure to China’s AI and surveillance tech. Russia and China advocate digital sovereignty and challenge Western control over data, internet governance, and AI ethics.
Military and Strategic Power
G7: Backed by NATO
G7 enjoys the strategic backing of NATO, the world’s most powerful military alliance. The US alone spends over $850 billion annually on defense. Their collective influence spans across the Atlantic, Indo-Pacific, and Arctic.
BRICS+: Mixed Strategic Cohesion
While China and Russia are major military powers, India’s alignment with the Quad and Indo-Pacific strategy shows internal divergence. BRICS lacks a joint security framework, limiting its strategic cohesion compared to the G7.
Recent Summits and Key Decisions
BRICS 2025 – Brazil
Held in Brazil, the 17th BRICS Summit (July 2025) emphasized:
- De-dollarization
- Strengthening BRICS Bank
- Common payment platforms
- Support for UN Security Council reform
- Pushback against Western sanctions
G7 2025 – Canada
Hosted in Canada, the G7 focused on:
- Continued support for Ukraine
- AI governance principles
- Deepening ties with Indo-Pacific democracies
- Global taxation and climate finance
Also Read Brics 17 summit https://www.thebriefdesk.com/2025/07/2025-brics-summit-pm-modi-in-brazil-to.html
Challenges and Criticisms
BRICS+ Limitations
- Internal rivalries (India-China, Iran-UAE)
- Lack of institutional integration
- Limited hard power and influence over existing global institutions
G7 Criticisms
- Perceived as outdated and exclusive
- Double standards in human rights and conflict responses (e.g., Palestine)
- Failure to address needs of the Global South inclusively
Future Outlook: Toward Multipolarity?
The growing competition between BRICS and the G7 reflects a transformation of global power. As the world moves away from unipolarity, the BRICS+ platform is trying to forge a new, inclusive global order. Meanwhile, the G7 seeks to protect and modernize the existing system.
Key Questions:
- Will BRICS introduce a common currency?
- Can the G7 reform institutions to stay relevant?
- Will emerging nations trust BRICS more than the West?
Conclusion
The BRICS vs G7 divide is more than a clash of economies or ideologies — it’s a contest between competing visions for the future of international relations. As both blocs evolve, their ability to cooperate or confront each other will shape everything from trade and security to technology and development.
In a world that is increasingly fragmented yet interconnected, understanding the contrasting roles of BRICS and the G7 is key to decoding where our global future is headed.
