摘要：The disintegration of the U.S.-led global order – evidenced by its withdrawal from multilateral institutions, abandonment of clima

ByYu Li

The disintegration of the U.S.-led global order – evidenced by its withdrawal from multilateral institutions, abandonment of climate agreements, and rejection of equitable trade principles – has precipitated a profound vacuum in global governance. Amid mounting economic volatility and rising protectionist barriers targeting emerging economies, the Global South now faces a decisive turning point: either cling to a fading system defined by external dependency or boldly pioneer a new development path tailored to its own aspirations.

The retreat of the United States from key international organizations and frameworks – including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Health Organization, the Paris Agreement and the UN Human Rights Council – has severely crippled collective action on pressing global issues, from climate change to public health and security. Further exacerbating this disengagement, the U.S. has slashed foreign aid, shuttering agencies and cutting$5 billion in foreign aid already approved by Congress, including critical support for peacekeeping missions. This withdrawal signals not only a departure from global leadership, but also a disregard for shared challenges.

Simultaneously, unpredictable U.S. trade measures have heightened financial fragility across developing nations. India is confronted withan additional 25-percent-tariff on exports, bringing cumulative duties on many products to 50 percent. Brazil faces comparably steep levies of 50 percent on core exports to the American market, while South Africa contends with tariffs as high as 30 percent. Such policies not only undermine diplomatic relations, but also jeopardize the growth and stability of emerging markets.

Into this landscape of uncertainty steps BRICS – a group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and its newly admitted members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates – positioned as a transformative force with the vision and scale to reshape the international architecture. Representing more than 40 percent of the global GDP and half of the world's population, the expanded BRICS forms a transcontinental network bridging Asia, Africa and Latin America. This geographic and economic breadth allows BRICS to advance models of cooperation rooted in inclusivity, mutual benefit and representation.

BRICS cooperation has delivered substantial benefits to Global South nations through concrete projects and financial mechanisms. Through its New Development Bank, about 120 projects totaling more than $39 billion have been financed, targeting critical areas such as sustainable infrastructure, clean energy and technological innovation. Major initiatives include South Africa's Redstone Solar Thermal Plant, which will power 200,000 households, and Brazil's Gameleira Wind Complex, generating 360 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually while cutting carbon dioxide emissions significantly.

beyond infrastructure, BRICS enhances self-reliance through local currency settlements and trade expansion. Intra-BRICS trade grew by 56 percent from 2017 to 2022. Technological collaboration is advanced through the BRICS AI Development Center and agricultural modernization programs such as China-Brazil drone farming projects. Financial resilience is strengthened via the $100 billion Contingent Reserve Arrangement, offering stability during economic shocks.

To be sure, internal differences in political systems and economic agendas present ongoing challenges. Yet, BRICS has adhered to a principle of "non-interference" and consensus-based governance, enabling adaptable and voluntary collaboration without coercion. Recent milestones, such as the Kazan Declaration (2024) and the Rio de Janeiro Declaration (2025), lay out concrete pathways for enhanced cooperation – from reforming global trade rules under the World Trade Organization to establishing ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping noted, "The giant ship of BRICS will brave the shifting international tides and sail far and steady." Indeed, the rise of BRICS reflects a fundamental philosophical shift: away from domination and toward partnership; beyond exploitation and toward justice; rejecting exclusion and embracing inclusion. By uniting the Global South around common goals, BRICS is drafting a new blueprint for global stability – one built not on hegemony, but on shared prosperity.

Yu Li is a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN.

来源：中国网一点号