The recent BRICS summit in Kazan was a bold statement against Western dominance in global affairs. For years, countries like the United States and European nations have had a strong influence over world politics, economics, and even culture. They often present themselves as the world’s leaders, expecting other countries to follow their rules and ways of doing things. But now, BRICS – a coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – is stepping up with a different vision for the future.
At this summit, BRICS presented itself as more than just an economic alliance; it stood as a voice for countries and cultures that are tired of being looked down upon or controlled. These nations aren’t saying that the Western model of progress is wrong, but they reject the idea that it’s the only way forward. Instead, they’re promoting a “multipolar” world – a world where different civilizations, each with its own unique values and traditions, can coexist and thrive without being forced into one mold.
The ideas behind BRICS’ stance can be traced back to two thinkers from different worlds and time periods: Franz Boas and Alexander Dugin. Boas, a 20th-century anthropologist, believed that every culture has value and should be understood on its own terms, not judged by foreign standards. He fought against the idea that European culture was superior to others, challenging the racism and colonialism of his time. He argued that even practices that seemed strange to outsiders had deep meaning within their own cultural contexts.
One example Boas used was the potlatch ceremony of the Kwakiutl, an Indigenous group in North America. In these ceremonies, people would give away valuable goods, sometimes even destroying them, to show generosity and social power. While this seemed wasteful to outsiders, it was a way for the Kwakiutl to build alliances and show respect within their community. Boas’ ideas highlighted that no single culture should decide what is “normal” or “right” for others.
In our time, Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin has built on similar ideas, but on a global scale. Dugin argues that every region and civilization has the right to follow its own path, without being forced to adopt Western ways of governance or lifestyle. He calls this concept “multipolarity,” which pushes back against a world dominated by one set of values. According to Dugin, just as Boas believed each culture is unique, each civilization – whether it’s in Africa, Asia, or Latin America – has its own identity and purpose.
For years, the West has maintained control, not only through military power but through “soft power.” This includes influencing global culture through media, economic policies, and international organizations. Although Western countries often claim to act out of concern for human rights and democracy, many countries in BRICS argue that these interventions are just a modern form of control. They see Western countries trying to spread their own ideals, much like during the colonial era, but now under the guise of “help” or “development.”
This Western attitude isn’t new. In the late 1800s, Rudyard Kipling, a British writer, wrote a poem called The White Man’s Burden, which suggested that Western countries had a duty to “civilize” others. Today, the language may have changed, but the underlying belief hasn’t. Western nations often see themselves as the moral authority, pushing for liberal democracy and individual rights as universal truths, without considering that other civilizations may have different views on what makes a good society.
At the BRICS summit, this resistance against Western dominance came to the forefront. These nations aim to promote a world order where multiple centers of power and ways of life are acknowledged. They want to show that economic and social progress can look different for each country and region, and that’s okay. The BRICS countries are creating a new kind of global alliance, one that respects the diversity of human cultures and allows each nation to find its own path without pressure to conform to the Western way.
The ideas of Boas and Dugin resonate with this vision. Just as Boas believed in the value of cultural diversity, BRICS is pushing for a world where geopolitical diversity is respected. They believe that each civilization brings something unique to the table, from philosophies to social systems, and that no single model should dominate.
In Kazan, BRICS sent a strong message: the world is too complex for a one-size-fits-all approach. These nations are not only advocating for economic cooperation but also demanding respect for different cultural and political systems. In their view, just as Boas saw cultural relativism as essential to understanding human societies, multipolarity is essential for true global harmony.
By standing up to Western dominance, BRICS is paving the way for a new world order. They are rejecting a world where only one voice is heard and are calling for a future where all civilizations have a seat at the table. This summit, therefore, wasn’t just a diplomatic meeting; it was a symbol of a global shift – a stand for diversity, respect, and independence on the world stage.
