The BRICS countries are considering significantly increasing their GDP through the latest expansion strategy, with a focus on Southeast Asian countries as potential new members. This move could have far-reaching implications for the global economy and the geopolitical status of alliances.
The combined GDP of Southeast Asian countries is approximately $3.67 trillion, a figure that has been steadily increasing in recent years. Since its establishment in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has included countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The alliance is exploring the inclusion of BRICS countries and seeking sustained economic growth and integration.
BRICS countries stand to gain substantial benefits from the significant economic contributions of ASEAN. Recent reports indicate that countries like Malaysia and Thailand are actively seeking inclusion, viewing BRICS countries as a strategic counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions.
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The Atlantic Council’s Geoeconomic Center also emphasizes that the dominant position of the US dollar in global finance is shifting, highlighting the potential future role of regional currencies in international trade. This aligns with ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen its currencies and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
The BRICS countries recently expanded to include countries such as Iran and the UAE, signaling further growth on the horizon. The efforts to expand the alliance reflect broader trends of diversifying global economic influence and reducing reliance on traditional Western financial systems.
