Brazil Hosts BRICS Summit, Navigating Global Tensions and Economic Challenges

Brazil Hosts BRICS Summit, Eager to Avoid Provoking Trump’s Ire

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil will host the BRICS summit of developing economies on Sunday and Monday, where pressing issues such as Israel’s attack on Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to be handled with caution.

Analysts and diplomats suggest that the lack of cohesion within the enlarged BRICS, which doubled in size last year, may hinder its ability to become a significant pole in global affairs. The summit’s moderate agenda is seen as an attempt by member countries to avoid drawing Trump’s attention.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will prioritize debates on artificial intelligence and climate change. Notably, China’s President Xi Jinping will not attend for the first time since becoming leader in 2012, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate via videoconference due to an international arrest warrant.

The summit is expected to produce a vague final declaration on Russia’s war in Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, partly due to the absences of Putin and Xi. Brazil aims to keep the summit technical, focusing on less controversial issues like trade relations and global health to avoid economic risks from Trump’s tariffs.

Despite notable absences, the summit is crucial for attendees, offering an opportunity to seek alternatives and diversify economic partnerships amid Trump’s tariff wars. For Lula, the summit provides a respite from domestic challenges and an opportunity to advance climate negotiations before the COP 30 climate talks in November.

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