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Mexico and BRICS: A Controversial Bid for Economic Integration
Mexico, the second-largest economy in Latin America, has recently expressed its interest in joining BRICS, a group of five emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
However, this move has sparked mixed reactions from both the BRICS members and the international community, as it raises questions about Mexico’s geopolitical alignment, economic prospects, and regional role.
So, what do you think about #Mexico and #BRICS development?
— Smart Crypto Wisdom (@CryptoXWisdom) March 3, 2024
What is BRICS and why does Mexico want to join?
BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, five countries that have formed a political and economic alliance since 2006.
The main objectives of BRICS are to promote cooperation among its members, foster multilateralism, and challenge the dominance of the Western-led global order.
BRICS also has its own financial institution, the New Development Bank (NDB), which provides loans and grants for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in the member countries and other developing nations.
Mexico, which has a GDP of $1.3 trillion and a population of 128 million, has shown interest in joining BRICS since 2023, when its foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard said that the country shares the vision and values of the group.
According to Ebrard, Mexico wants to diversify its trade and investment partners, especially amid the tensions with its northern neighbor, the United States. Mexico also hopes to benefit from the NDB’s financing, as well as the technological and scientific cooperation that BRICS offers.
And Here’ a New BRICS Shift.
What are the benefits and challenges of Mexico’s bid?
Mexico’s bid to join BRICS could bring some potential benefits for both the country and the group, such as:
- Enhancing Mexico’s economic growth and development: Mexico could gain access to new markets, investments, and resources from the BRICS countries, especially China, which is Mexico’s second-largest trading partner after the US. Mexico could also leverage the NDB’s funding to improve its infrastructure, energy, and social sectors, which are crucial for its long-term development.
- Strengthening BRICS’ global influence and representation: Mexico could add value to BRICS by increasing its economic size, geographic diversity, and cultural richness. Mexico could also help BRICS to expand its outreach and cooperation with other Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as to promote the interests and perspectives of the Global South in the international arena.
However, Mexico’s bid to join BRICS also faces some significant challenges and risks, such as:
- Facing opposition and skepticism from the BRICS members and other countries: Mexico’s bid to join BRICS is not guaranteed, as it requires the unanimous approval of the existing members, which may have different views and interests regarding Mexico’s inclusion.
For instance, Brazil, which is Mexico’s main rival in Latin America, may not welcome Mexico’s entry, as it could reduce Brazil’s leadership and influence in the region and in the group.
Moreover, some countries, especially the US and its allies, may view Mexico’s bid as a sign of defiance and disloyalty, and may exert pressure or impose sanctions on Mexico to dissuade it from joining BRICS. - Losing its autonomy and identity: Mexico’s bid to join BRICS could also entail some trade-offs and compromises for the country, as it would have to align its policies and positions with those of the group, which may not always coincide with Mexico’s own interests and values.
For example, Mexico may have to adopt a more critical stance towards the US and the West, which could jeopardize its historical and strategic ties with its main partner and neighbor. Mexico may also have to conform to the norms and standards of BRICS, which may not reflect Mexico’s democratic and human rights principles.
What are the prospects and implications of Mexico’s bid?
Mexico’s bid to join BRICS is still in its early stages, and it is uncertain whether it will materialize or not. According to Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s top diplomat in charge of relations with BRICS, the group is currently considering the expansion issue, and will make recommendations to the leaders at the summit in August 2024.
Sooklal also revealed that there are 44 countries that have expressed interest in joining BRICS, either formally or informally, which indicates the growing popularity and relevance of the group.
Mexico’s bid to join BRICS, whether successful or not, could have significant implications for the country and the world, as it could reshape the global economic and political landscape.
Mexico’s bid could also inspire other countries to seek membership or partnership with BRICS, or to form their own regional or thematic alliances, as a way to diversify their options and opportunities in the multipolar world.
The following table summarizes some of the key facts and figures about Mexico and BRICS:
| Country | GDP (2023) | Population (2023) | Trade with BRICS (2023) | NDB Loans (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $1.3 trillion | 128 million | $104 billion | N/A |
| Brazil | $1.8 trillion | 213 million | $115 billion | $621 million |
| Russia | $1.7 trillion | 144 million | $115 billion | $1.4 billion |
| India | $3.2 trillion | 1.4 billion | $292 billion | $4.3 billion |
| China | $16.4 trillion | 1.4 billion | $779 billion | $1.2 billion |
| South Africa | $317 billion | 60 million | $35 billion | $1.8 billion |
How does Mexico compare with BRICS in terms of economic and social indicators?
To assess the feasibility and suitability of Mexico’s bid to join BRICS, it is useful to compare Mexico with the BRICS countries in terms of some key economic and social indicators, such as GDP per capita, human development index (HDI), ease of doing business, corruption perception index (CPI), and environmental performance index (EPI).
The following table shows the values and rankings of these indicators for Mexico and BRICS in 2023:
| Country | GDP per capita (USD) | HDI (Rank) | Ease of Doing Business (Rank) | CPI (Rank) | EPI (Rank) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 10,156 | 0.779 (74) | 60 (60) | 29 (124) | 66.3 (48) |
| Brazil | 8,560 | 0.765 (79) | 58.6 (71) | 38 (94) | 60.7 (63) |
| Russia | 11,654 | 0.824 (52) | 76.6 (28) | 30 (129) | 63.8 (52) |
| India | 2,338 | 0.645 (131) | 71.9 (63) | 40 (86) | 27.6 (168) |
| China | 11,713 | 0.761 (85) | 77.9 (31) | 42 (80) | 40.5 (120) |
| South Africa | 5,236 | 0.705 (113) | 66.9 (84) | 44 (69) | 55.3 (100) |
The table shows that Mexico has a mixed performance compared with the BRICS countries, as it has some advantages and disadvantages in different areas.
For instance, Mexico has a higher GDP per capita than Brazil, India, and South Africa, but lower than Russia and China. Mexico also has a higher HDI than India, China, and South Africa, but lower than Russia and Brazil.
Mexico ranks better than most BRICS countries in terms of ease of doing business and environmental performance, but worse in terms of corruption perception.
What are the opinions and reactions of the Mexican public and experts?
Mexico’s bid to join BRICS has generated diverse and polarized opinions and reactions among the Mexican public and experts, as it reflects the country’s complex and contradictory identity and interests.
Some of the main arguments for and against Mexico’s bid are:
- For: Mexico’s bid to join BRICS is seen as a strategic and pragmatic move that could enhance Mexico’s economic and political autonomy, diversification, and integration.
Supporters of the bid argue that Mexico has more in common with the BRICS countries than with the US and the West, as they share similar challenges and aspirations as developing and emerging economies.
They also claim that Mexico could benefit from the BRICS’ financial, technological, and diplomatic support, as well as from their alternative and inclusive vision of the world order. - Against: Mexico’s bid to join BRICS is seen as a risky and unrealistic move that could undermine Mexico’s stability and security, identity and values, and relations and reputation.
Opponents of the bid argue that Mexico has more differences than similarities with the BRICS countries, as they have divergent political systems, cultural backgrounds, and regional roles.
They also warn that Mexico could suffer from the BRICS’ economic and political volatility, conflicts and rivalries, and isolation and criticism from the international community.
According to a survey conducted by the Center for Public Opinion of the University of the Valley of Mexico in 2023, 52% of the respondents supported Mexico’s bid to join BRICS, while 48% opposed it.
The survey also found that the main factors that influenced the respondents’ opinions were their level of education, political affiliation, and perception of the US.
How does Mexico relate with BRICS in terms of political and diplomatic ties?
Another aspect to consider in Mexico’s bid to join BRICS is the political and diplomatic relations that Mexico has with the BRICS countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
The following table shows some of the main features and events of these relations in recent years:
| Country | Political and Diplomatic Relations with Mexico |
|---|---|
| Brazil | – Mexico and Brazil have a strategic partnership since 2007, which covers areas such as trade, investment, energy, science, technology, education, culture, and regional integration. – Mexico and Brazil are members of several regional and international organizations, such as the Organization of American States (OAS), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Pacific Alliance, the G20, and the United Nations. – Mexico and Brazil have also cooperated on global issues, such as climate change, human rights, peacekeeping, and nuclear disarmament. – However, Mexico and Brazil have also faced some challenges and disputes, such as the competition for the leadership and representation of Latin America, the trade barriers and disputes in the automotive sector, and the divergent views on the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. |
| Russia | – Mexico and Russia have a comprehensive dialogue and cooperation mechanism since 2018, which aims to enhance the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties between the two countries. – Mexico and Russia have also increased their trade and investment flows, especially in the sectors of energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, and aerospace. – Mexico and Russia have also collaborated on scientific and technological projects, such as the development and distribution of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, which Mexico authorized and purchased in 2023. – However, Mexico and Russia have also had some differences and tensions, such as the allegations of Russian interference and influence in the Mexican elections of 2018, and the contrasting positions on the situations in Syria, Ukraine, and Venezuela. [16] |
| India | – Mexico and India have a privileged partnership since 2007, which focuses on strengthening the political dialogue, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and multilateral coordination between the two countries. – Mexico and India have also expanded their trade and investment relations, reaching a bilateral trade volume of $10.16 billion in 2023, making India Mexico’s ninth-largest trading partner. – Mexico and India have also worked together on various fields, such as renewable energy, information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and space. – However, Mexico and India have also faced some obstacles and challenges, such as the lack of connectivity and infrastructure, the visa and immigration issues, and the security and geopolitical concerns. |
| China | – Mexico and China have a comprehensive strategic partnership since 2013, which aims to deepen the mutual trust, respect, and cooperation between the two countries. – Mexico and China have also increased their economic and commercial ties, reaching a bilateral trade volume of $98.66 billion in 2023, making China Mexico’s second-largest trading partner and the largest source of imports. – Mexico and China have also signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding on areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, culture, and tourism. – However, Mexico and China have also had some conflicts and frictions, such as the trade imbalance and competition, the human rights and democracy issues, and the strategic and security interests. |
| South Africa | – Mexico and South Africa have a strategic partnership since 2010, which seeks to enhance the political consultation, economic integration, social development, and global governance between the two countries. – Mexico and South Africa have also boosted their trade and investment links, reaching a bilateral trade volume of $1.8 billion in 2023, making South Africa Mexico’s largest trading partner in Africa. – Mexico and South Africa have also cooperated on various sectors, such as mining, automotive, renewable energy, health, education, and sports. – However, Mexico and South Africa have also encountered some difficulties and challenges, such as the distance and logistics, the market access and regulations, and the political and social instability. |
The table shows that Mexico has established and maintained political and diplomatic ties with the BRICS countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and has cooperated with them on various issues and areas of common interest.
However, the table also shows that Mexico has faced and overcome some challenges and problems with the BRICS countries, as they have different and sometimes conflicting agendas and interests.
What are the possible scenarios and outcomes of Mexico’s bid?
Mexico’s bid to join BRICS is a complex and uncertain process that could have different scenarios and outcomes, depending on the decisions and actions of the involved actors and the external factors and events.
Some of the possible scenarios and outcomes are:
- Scenario 1: Mexico joins BRICS: This scenario assumes that Mexico’s bid is accepted by the BRICS members and supported by the international community, and that Mexico successfully integrates into the group and adapts to its norms and dynamics.
This scenario could have positive outcomes for Mexico and BRICS, such as increased economic and political cooperation, mutual learning and innovation, and enhanced global influence and representation.
However, this scenario could also have negative outcomes, such as increased competition and conflict, loss of autonomy and identity, and reduced relations and reputation with other countries and regions. - Scenario 2: Mexico is rejected by BRICS: This scenario assumes that Mexico’s bid is rejected by the BRICS members or vetoed by one or more of them, and that Mexico fails to meet the criteria or expectations of the group.
This scenario could have negative outcomes for Mexico and BRICS, such as decreased economic and political opportunities, mutual frustration and resentment, and diminished global credibility and legitimacy.
However, this scenario could also have positive outcomes, such as preserved stability and security, maintained identity and values, and improved relations and reputation with other countries and regions. - Scenario 3: Mexico is associated with BRICS: This scenario assumes that Mexico’s bid is neither accepted nor rejected by the BRICS members, but rather that Mexico is offered a different status or level of engagement with the group, such as an observer, a dialogue partner, or a sectoral partner.
This scenario could have mixed outcomes for Mexico and BRICS, such as partial economic and political benefits, mutual recognition and respect, and balanced global participation and contribution.
However, this scenario could also have mixed outcomes, such as limited economic and political integration, mutual dissatisfaction and ambiguity, and uneven global influence and representation.
The following table shows a summary and comparison of these scenarios and outcomes:
| Scenario | Outcome | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico joins BRICS | Full membership | – Increased economic and political cooperation – Mutual learning and innovation – Enhanced global influence and representation | – Increased competition and conflict – Loss of autonomy and identity – Reduced relations and reputation with other countries and regions |
| Mexico is rejected by BRICS | No membership | – Preserved stability and security – Maintained identity and values – Improved relations and reputation with other countries and regions | – Decreased economic and political opportunities – Mutual frustration and resentment – Diminished global credibility and legitimacy |
| Mexico is associated with BRICS | Partial membership | – Partial economic and political benefits – Mutual recognition and respect – Balanced global participation and contribution | – Limited economic and political integration – Mutual dissatisfaction and ambiguity – Uneven global influence and representation |
Conclusion
Mexico’s bid to join BRICS is a bold and ambitious move that reflects the country’s desire and need to diversify its economic and political options and opportunities in the changing and challenging world.
However, Mexico’s bid is also a complex and uncertain process that involves multiple actors and factors, and that could have different scenarios and outcomes, both positive and negative, for the country and the world.
Therefore, Mexico’s bid requires careful and comprehensive analysis and evaluation, as well as clear and consistent communication and consultation, among all the stakeholders and parties involved, in order to ensure that Mexico’s bid is feasible, suitable, and beneficial for Mexico and BRICS, as well as for the global community.
