Iran and BRICS: Containing Unilateralism in a Transitional Era

Iran and BRICS: Containing Unilateralism in a Transitional Era
Article type: Research article
Author: Kamran Lotfi
Source: Central Asia and the Caucasus Studies Quarterly (Faslname-ye Elmi-ye Motale‘at-e Asiya-ye Markazi va Ghafghaz)
Volume: 31
Issue: 129
Season: Spring 1404 (2025)

About the article
This article examines Iran’s role and approach in BRICS as an instrument for balancing against unilateralism in the international system. Drawing on the dynamics of the “transitional era”—a period in which emerging economic and political powers are challenging US hegemony and the unipolar order—the author analyzes why and how Iran seeks to exploit BRICS to strengthen its strategic position.
The article argues that, under structural pressures, sanctions, and constraints imposed by the hegemonic order, Iran has moved toward a revisionist strategy and diversification of international partners. From this perspective, membership in BRICS is not just an economic choice but also a political move to reduce dependence on Western powers, enhance strategic autonomy, and increase international legitimacy.
The study shows that Iran’s participation in the 2024 BRICS summit was grounded in an effort to define a proactive role alongside emerging powers—China, Russia, India, and others. Iran uses this platform to pursue goals such as strengthening its economic base, expanding financial and energy cooperation, increasing bargaining power, and participating in the emerging multipolar order.
The author concludes that BRICS serves as a complementary mechanism for Iran to contain unilateral structures and open new pathways for political and economic engagement; a mechanism that can play a significant role in reconfiguring Iran’s global strategy and in reducing pressures stemming from the existing hegemonic system.