Will Ego Prevail? BRICS+ Rift in Yogyakarta Shatters Global South Expectations

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — The XVII BRICS+ Summit, widely anticipated as a moment of strengthened unity among emerging economies, has instead exposed deep fractures that could threaten the group’s future ambitions. As the summit continues in Yogyakarta, delegates have split into two opposing blocs: one calling for an immediate rupture from Western-led institutions, and another urging a slower, pragmatic transition that preserves cooperation with the United States and Europe.

The divide has stunned observers across the Global South, many of whom have long viewed BRICS+ as a collective front against Western dominance in global finance, security, and development. Rather than forming a consolidated strategy, the summit has turned into a contest of political egos, competing national interests, and clashing visions for the future.

Radicals vs. Moderates

The more radical bloc — composed of states frustrated with what they describe as Western “neocolonial economics” — argues that the time for caution has passed. Delegates in this group are pushing for the rapid expansion of BRICS+ mechanisms, including the broad adoption of local currency exchanges, a strengthened BRICS Pay system, and a formal economic pathway independent of the IMF and World Bank.

“The West has controlled the rules for decades,” one delegate, speaking on condition of anonymity, said. “If BRICS+ keeps playing by those rules, we will never change the system. Independence must start now.”

But the more moderate bloc warns that such aggressive moves would trigger economic instability, diplomatic backlash, and potential isolation. They insist that Western nations — despite political disagreements — remain vital trade and investment partners for much of the developing world.

“Reform cannot come by burning bridges,” a senior South American representative told Al Jazeera. “We seek balance, not rupture.”

A Blow to the Global South

For years, BRICS+ has been celebrated as a symbol of multipolar hope — a counterweight to Western power, and a platform giving voice to the developing world. But the visible fragmentation in Yogyakarta has cast doubt on that vision.

Analysts say the rift feeds into long-standing Western narratives that the Global South lacks cohesion and is driven by competing national egos rather than shared purpose. What was expected to be a united front has instead become a public display of disunity.

“This summit could have been proof that the Global South can act collectively,” said political analyst Farah Usmani. “Instead, it is showing precisely the opposite.”

Uncertain Future

It remains unclear whether the two blocs will reach compromise before the summit concludes. Negotiators say discussions have become tense, with rhetorical clashes behind closed doors and growing concern that the internal divide could slow — or even reverse — years of BRICS+ progress.

If consensus fails, the summit may be remembered not for expansion or innovation, but for exposing the vulnerability of a coalition many believed would redefine global power.

The question echoing through Yogyakarta is no longer how BRICS+ will challenge the Western-led order — but whether the group can keep itself from tearing apart.

For BRICS+, will ego prevail? Or will unity survive just long enough to matter?