Russia is set to host its biggest foreign policy event ever. Leaders representing more than 40 percent of the world's population are assembling in the south-western city of Kazan. The 16th BRICS summit will have five new members, doubling the group's strength to 10. The event gives President Vladimir Putin an opportunity to signal to the West that he has not been isolated because of the war in Ukraine. It's also an occasion for other member states to amplify their voices and policies. So, what's behind the rapid expansion of this bloc? And can it challenge the existing western-dominated global order?

In this episode:

• Andrei Fedorov, Former Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia.
• Hassan Ahmadian, Professor, Middle East Studies, University of Tehran.
• Mark Seddon, Lead, Centre for UN Studies, University of Buckingham.

Host: Hashem Ahelbarra 

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