BRICS and NATO in a multipolar world: Expanding roles and emerging frictions

This article comparatively examines the evolving trajectories of BRICS and NATO in a context marked by geopolitical crises, multipolarity, and the resurgence of realist power politics. Originally conceived as an economic coalition and a military alliance respectively, both groupings are expanding beyond their traditional mandates. NATO has progressively integrated technological, industrial, and economic-security dimensions into its strategic framework, while BRICS – though centred on global governance reform and financial cooperation – shows signs of increasing engagement with security issues. Drawing on a qualitative review of institutional documents and secondary literature, the article argues that these parallel transformations reflect the blurring boundaries between economic governance and security politics. While such adaptations respond to structural shifts in the international order, they also risk reinforcing bloc dynamics and systemic rivalry. The article concludes by advocating the reform of inclusive multilateral institutions to prevent multipolarity from solidifying into antagonistic geopolitical alignments.