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Will colombia join BRICS ?

Colombia’s potential membership in the BRICS has sparked a debate if it’s the correct thing to do or not.
We will cover in this article why Colombia is interested into joining BRICS.
Under President Gustavo Petro, the country’s foreign policy is undergoing a notable transformation, with aspirations to diversify alliances and elevate Colombia’s status as a middle power.
Let’s explore Colombia’s likelihood of joining BRICS and its potential impacts on its foreign policy and global standing.

Why Is Colombia Interested in Joining BRICS?

BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—accounts for approximately 45% of the global population and offers vast opportunities for economic collaboration.
Colombia’s interest in BRICS membership stems from several strategic goals:

  1. Diversifying Alliances:
    Historically, Colombia has maintained strong ties with the United States and Europe.
    However, President Petro has shown a desire to reduce dependence on Western nations he does this by exploring alliances with India, Brazil and some others.
  2. Economic Opportunities:
    Joining BRICS could help Colombia access new markets and potential investments from other countries.
    The Shanghai-based BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), led by Dilma Rousseff, offers an alternative source of financial support for development projects.
    This could help Colombia as a country to become more economically stable.
  3. Geopolitical Influence:
    Colombia’s membership in BRICS would position it alongside emerging global powers,
    potentially enhancing its influence on international platforms.
    This could reduce the reliance on Western countries which could be a great thing since some western countries force their will upon others.

Steps Taken Towards BRICS Membership

Colombia’s intention to join BRICS was first announced during Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s visit in April 2024. Petro expressed interest in diversifying Colombia’s economic partnerships and received support from Brazil. Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo further advanced this agenda during a recent visit to Moscow, engaging with the BRICS New Development Bank and strengthening ties with Russia.

Challenges to Joining BRICS

Despite Colombia’s expressed interest, significant hurdles remain:

  1. Strategic Ambiguity: Petro’s foreign policy has been criticized for its lack of clarity. While pursuing BRICS membership, Colombia remains heavily reliant on the U.S. for trade and security. The U.S. accounted for USD 29.9 billion in trade with Colombia in 2020 and invested USD 7.1 billion in 2022.
  2. Geopolitical Risks: Aligning with BRICS members like Russia and China could strain Colombia’s relations with the U.S. and the European Union. The potential withdrawal of U.S. economic aid and a cooling of diplomatic ties may have far-reaching consequences.
  3. Political Continuity: Questions about Colombia’s long-term commitment to BRICS arise, particularly with the 2026 presidential elections approaching. A right-wing administration could reverse Petro’s efforts to join BRICS, creating uncertainty for the group’s existing members.
  4. Economic Considerations: Colombia’s trade with BRICS members remains limited compared to its Western partners. For instance, China, while a significant destination for Colombian exports, has yet to match the scale of U.S. trade and investment.

Implications of Joining BRICS

If Colombia succeeds in becoming a BRICS member, the move could have profound implications:

  1. Strengthened Ties with Emerging Economies: Membership would deepen Colombia’s trade and investment relationships with BRICS countries, potentially reducing reliance on traditional Western partners.
  2. Access to Development Funding: Collaboration with the BRICS New Development Bank could finance infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology projects, supporting Colombia’s transition to a green economy.
  3. Enhanced Global Standing: Joining BRICS would elevate Colombia’s international profile, aligning it with influential global players like China and India.
  4. Regional Leadership: As a BRICS member, Colombia could strengthen its role as a regional leader in Latin America, particularly if it brokers successful diplomatic solutions to issues like the Venezuelan crisis.

Conclusion

While Colombia’s interest in joining BRICS signals a bold shift in its foreign policy, the path to membership is far from certain.
The country’s reliance on U.S. economic and security support, coupled with geopolitical risks and internal political dynamics, presents significant obstacles. However, if pursued strategically, BRICS membership could diversify Colombia’s alliances and open new avenues for growth and influence.

Colombia’s decision to join BRICS will likely depend on its ability to balance existing alliances with the West and new partnerships with emerging economies. The outcome of the 2026 presidential election and the evolving global geopolitical landscape will play crucial roles in shaping this decision. For now, Colombia remains an aspiring middle power navigating a complex international order.