The West is at a critical crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges. The rise of the BRICS, internal crises in Europe, and Russia’s growing influence are redefining the global order. Cracks in Western unity and growing geopolitical tensions threaten to push the West into an era of uncertainty and decline.
Indeed, the traditional world order is being challenged by the rise of the BRICS and the strategic rise of Russia under Vladimir Putin. These actors aim to establish a multipolar order, thereby reducing the influence of the Western bloc. Europe, faced with a multidimensional crisis that threatens its unity and cohesion, finds itself vulnerable and dependent, particularly in terms of energy. At the same time, populism and internal tensions are weakening confidence and increasing uncertainty. In the face of this, emerging nations such as India and Brazil are opting for non-alignment, preserving their access to key technologies and strengthening their bargaining power. In this context, the West risks seeing its dominant role decline, while a new economic and political center of gravity emerges, signaling a possible decline and fragmentation of the historical influence of the United States and Europe.
The rise of BRICS and the marginalization of the West
The advent of the BRICS Alliance represents a revolution in the global balance, challenging the hegemony of the West historically dominated by the United States and the European Union. This consortium of fast-growing nations is drawing new geopolitical and economic lines on the international stage. With over 40% of the world’s population and a growing share of the global economy, the BRICS are emerging as an uncontested force, forging alternative institutions such as the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). These initiatives illustrate a desire to reduce dependence on Western financial institutions, thereby weakening their influence while offering developing countries more attractive options. While China is driving flagship projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Western nations are struggling to maintain their global influence in the face of more innovative and collaborative alternatives. This shift towards a multipolar order is disrupting the status quo, posing crucial strategic challenges for a West seeking guidance in a world where its preeminence is increasingly being undermined.
The European crisis and the crumbling of unity
Europe is going through a period of unprecedented turbulence, marked by increasing internal fragmentation. Brexit has exposed deep cracks in the European project, while the rise of populist and nationalist movements in France, Italy and Hungary threatens the unity and stability of the Union. Exploiting economic and social frustrations, these movements challenge the values of solidarity and cooperation. Successive economic crises, amplified by the awakening of previously dominated peoples (Africa, Asia and Latin America), have widened disparities within Member States, fuelling disillusionment and mistrust in European institutions. On the geopolitical level, Europe’s energy dependence on Russia and current tensions with Moscow reveal its vulnerability. The proxy war in Ukraine highlights the continent’s diplomatic weaknesses, while the lack of a unified voice on foreign policy weakens its global position. These issues raise crucial questions about the future of Europe and its ability to maintain its influence in a rapidly changing multipolar world.
Russia’s growing influence and the challenge to unbridled unipolarism
Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has adopted an increasingly assertive and strategic posture on the international stage, strengthening its alliances with the BRICS and various countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By exploiting the West’s weaknesses, Russia aims to reshape the world order in favor of the once marginalized Global South. This strategy is designed to weaken Western influence and promote a multipolar world with Russia as the central actor. On the military and cyber fronts, Russia is demonstrating its determination to challenge Western hegemony by returning Crimea and regions with Russian populations to the Russian Federation.
These actions illustrate Russia’s ability to project power beyond its borders. In this context, the West faces significant challenges. The failure of the United States and Europe to contain Russia (as enshrined in the core of foreign policy) reveals the limits of their influence in a multipolar world. Internal divisions within NATO and the European Union, as well as energy dependence on Russia, further complicate their unified response to external threats. These dynamics highlight the urgent challenges and growing threats the West faces in a rapidly changing world redefined by Russia’s growing influence.
The West is losing its grip on the world. The rise of the BRICS and the resurgence of Russia herald an era of decline and fragmentation for Europe and the United States, giving way to a new world in which Western influence is dwindling.
It can be said that Europeans are trapped in their servility towards the Americans while the United States struggles to manage its defeat against Russia.
Mohamed Lamine KABA, Expert in geopolitics of governance and regional integration, Institute of Governance, Human and Social Sciences, Pan-African University