BRICS Criticized for Environmental Hypocrisy and Authoritarian Practices
John Feffer, Director of Foreign Policy in Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies, has labeled the BRICS alliance as a 'Multipolarism of Fools.' In a scathing opinion piece, Feffer highlights the bloc's contradictory stance on environmental issues. While BRICS nations vocally advocate for climate action during summits like the 2025 gathering in Rio de Janeiro, their economies remain heavily reliant on fossil fuel exports. Nine of the ten member countries actively sell fossil fuels, with only Ethiopia abstaining due to a lack of domestic industry.
The critique extends beyond environmental concerns. Feffer points out the irony of BRICS members condemning U.S. authoritarianism while many, including China, Russia, and Iran, maintain repressive regimes that stifle free speech. This duality underscores the alliance's fractured credibility on both ecological and governance fronts.
