Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 47 Issue 8
Author: Vlad Antonov
Executive Summary
The BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, marked a pivotal moment in the bloc’s expansion and its focus on fostering economic cooperation, regional security, and enhanced multilateral relations. The Caspian Sea region, shared by Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, plays a strategic role in BRICS’ geopolitical and economic ambitions.
As BRICS looks to increase its influence in energy security, trade, and regional connectivity, this area offers both challenges and opportunities. Understanding how these nations align their interests with BRICS objectives is crucial for the organisation’s long-term engagement in the Caspian region.
Background Information
The 16th BRICS Summit, set to be held in Kazan on October 22-24th, 2024, comes during a crucial phase of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship. The Summit underscores three primary pillars: political and security cooperation, economic and financial collaboration, and cultural and humanitarian engagements. Since its inception in 2009, BRICS has developed from a coalition addressing global economic crises to a broader alliance tackling governance issues, security threats, and regional integration.
Building on the success of the Johannesburg Summit in 2023, this Summit aims to further expand BRICS by welcoming Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The inclusion of Iran, a major Caspian Sea stakeholder, signals the growing importance of the region within the BRICS. As the organisation positions itself as an alternative to Western systems, the Kazan Summit can be pivotal in addressing global financial architecture, the use of national currencies in trade, and the democratisation of international relations.
However, the bloc faces challenges in navigating member states’ divergent interests, addressing geopolitical tensions, and expanding its influence while maintaining internal cohesion.
BRICS and the Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea region holds a strategic position in BRICS’ broader geopolitical calculus. Russia, as the most prominent regional actor and a founding BRICS member, views the Caspian as integral to its influence, particularly in terms of energy security and regional trade. This region is not only rich in natural resources, such as oil and gas, but also serves as a critical corridor linking Asia and Europe. For BRICS, fostering cooperation in this area presents opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and regional stability.
- Russia: As the major power in the Caspian region, Moscow seeks to strengthen its geopolitical influence through BRICS, particularly by integrating Tehran, a fellow Caspian littoral state. Moscow views the summit as an opportunity to expand multilateral energy initiatives, leverage regional trade routes, and fortify its leadership in a multipolar world. Russia’s energy ties with the Caspian states also position it as a central player in BRICS’ discussions on energy security.
- Iran: Iran’s recent inclusion in BRICS marks a strategic shift. Isolated from Western financial systems because of sanctions, Tehran sees its BRICS membership as a path toward economic recovery and greater global integration. The Caspian Sea plays a critical role in Tehran’s strategy to counter sanctions, as it provides access to alternative trade routes. BRICS could offer Iran the opportunity to develop partnerships in energy and trade with other member states, strengthening its economic standing despite Western restrictions.
- Azerbaijan: Having applied for BRICS membership in August 2024, Baku sees economic potential in the bloc, particularly in energy cooperation and infrastructure development. Its strategic location and natural resources make Azerbaijan an attractive partner for BRICS, especially as the bloc seeks to enhance regional connectivity through energy corridors and transport networks that pass through the Caspian. Baku’s growing interest in renewable energy aligns with BRICS’ focus on green development, further strengthening its candidacy for future inclusion.
- Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan: Both countries remain cautious about deepening ties with BRICS. Astana, which values its policy of non-alignment, is closely monitoring the evolution of the organisation but has yet to apply formally for membership. Kazakhstan’s participation in the Summit highlights its interest in maintaining an open dialogue with BRICS, particularly on energy exports and regional connectivity. Ashgabat, similarly, has refrained from direct involvement but shares common interests in energy exports and infrastructure development in the Caspian region. Both nations’ decisions regarding BRICS could hinge on the outcome of this Summit and its potential to address regional concerns.
Conclusion
The BRICS Summit in Kazan presents a unique opportunity for the bloc to expand its influence in the Caspian Sea region. For member states and aspiring candidates like Azerbaijan, the gathering serves as a platform to enhance energy cooperation, diversify trade routes, and strengthen geopolitical ties.
Iran’s entry into BRICS, coupled with Russia’s strategic positioning, indicates a shift towards deeper regional integration and multilateral cooperation. As BRICS continues to develop, its involvement in the Caspian region will likely yield long-term economic and security benefits for its members, providing a counterweight to Western influence and facilitating the creation of a more balanced global order.
For regional players, deeper engagement with BRICS offers avenues for infrastructure development, energy collaboration, and greater participation in global governance structures. The Summit’s outcomes will determine the extent to which BRICS can capitalise on the opportunities in the Caspian Sea, making it a critical area to watch in the bloc’s future endeavours.
Disclaimer
Report in media partnership with Kaspiskij Vestnik. The content of this report is the sole responsibility of the author(s) and does not represent the views, opinions, or positions of SpecialEurasia or any of its affiliated entities. The information contained within has been sourced from publicly available materials and is provided strictly for general informational purposes.
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