In 2025, the global balance of power is shifting. As BRICS expands and challenges the G7’s dominance, the world is quietly entering a new economic era. Discover how the East is rewriting the rules of the global order.
Did you know that the BRICS nations now account for over 45% of the world’s population and nearly 36% of global GDP?
While Western powers debate policy and politics, the East is busy constructing a new world order — one that no longer revolves around Washington, London, or Brussels. For decades, the G7 (Group of Seven) — the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan — controlled global economics, trade, and technology. But now, a new alliance, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), joined by fresh members like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, and Egypt, is shaking that foundation. This isn’t just about economics — it’s about a global power shift, one that’s changing how the world trades, invests, and negotiates.
Both blocs were born from the desire to shape the global economy, but their goals are worlds apart.
The G7 was formed in the 1970s to manage world finance and stabilize Western economies. It has historically represented the wealthiest democratic nations, promoting capitalism, open markets, and Western values.
In contrast, BRICS emerged in the early 2000s as a counterbalance to Western economic dominance. These nations represent emerging economies, seeking a fairer and more inclusive world order.
| Feature | G7 | BRICS |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1975 | 2009 |
| Members | 7 (U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan) | 5 (expanded to 10 in 2024–25) |
| Focus | Global finance, trade, democracy | Development, multipolarity, economic independence |
| GDP Share (2025 est.) | ~31% | ~36% |
| Population Share | ~10% | ~45% |
The comparison is striking — the G7 leads in per-capita income, but BRICS leads in population, production, and resources. The tide is turning.
In 2025, BRICS is no longer a loose coalition — it’s a strategic alliance with real institutions, trade networks, and growing global influence.
BRICS economies have seen steady growth, especially in Asia. According to IMF projections, China and India will drive nearly half of global growth in 2025, while G7 nations struggle with inflation and slow expansion.
The NDB, often called the “BRICS Bank,” was created as an alternative to the IMF and World Bank. It funds infrastructure projects in developing nations without harsh political conditions, giving the Global South a much-needed voice in finance.
Perhaps the biggest move has been reducing dependency on the U.S. dollar. BRICS members are increasingly trading in their own currencies, a process known as de-dollarization.
Russia and China already conduct over 70% of their trade in non-dollar currencies, while India is exploring similar routes.
This signals a quiet but profound shift — the dollar’s global dominance is being challenged.
In 2024, BRICS announced the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia. That’s not just expansion — it’s a geopolitical earthquake.
With Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE in the group, BRICS now controls a huge share of global oil and gas reserves.
This means decisions made in Riyadh or Moscow can directly affect energy prices in Europe and America.
Countries like Iran and Russia, often targeted by Western sanctions, see BRICS as a safe trade zone — a system less dependent on Western approval.
BRICS isn’t anti-West — it’s pro-multipolar. The goal is a balanced system where no single power dominates global trade, finance, or diplomacy.
As South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said:
“The future of global governance must reflect the realities of today, not the hierarchies of yesterday.”
The G7 still wields enormous influence, but its internal challenges are multiplying.
While BRICS talks about cooperation, the G7 often struggles with internal competition and a shrinking global influence. Western sanctions, once an effective weapon, now encourage nations to seek alternatives — and BRICS provides one.
Nothing defines this rivalry better than the battle over the dollar. For decades, the U.S. dollar has been the world’s default currency — for oil, trade, and savings. But as countries face economic pressure from Western sanctions, many are looking for a Plan B.BRICS discussions about a common digital currency have gained attention. While it may take years to launch, even the idea threatens dollar supremacy. If successful, this could:
For countries like Pakistan, a BRICS-led system could open new trade and investment opportunities, especially in energy and manufacturing.
The world is no longer unipolar. The age of a single superpower is ending.
China leads in AI, green tech, and semiconductors. India is now a global IT powerhouse.
Meanwhile, Western tech faces saturation, regulation, and political hurdles.
Russia’s military influence, China’s naval presence, and India’s strategic position are reshaping global defense alliances.
Africa, Latin America, and South Asia are no longer passive spectators — they’re actively shaping world politics through BRICS, OIC, and ASEAN partnerships.
This is the dawn of a multipolar world — one where power is shared, not monopolized.
Of course, the shift isn’t easy.
But these challenges don’t weaken BRICS — they test its adaptability. If managed wisely, diversity could become its greatest strength.
History is changing quietly. The G7 wrote the old rules, but BRICS is rewriting them — one trade deal, one alliance, and one partnership at a time. The global economy is no longer just Western-driven; it’s becoming globally shared.
While the G7 clings to the past, BRICS is building the future — a future shaped by inclusion, independence, and innovation. The power shift isn’t coming; it’s already here.
“History doesn’t repeat itself — but it rhymes. And in 2025, the rhythm is coming from the East.”