BRICS: PROSPECTS FOR EXPANSION AND NEW HORIZONS OF COOPERATION

Abstract

Introduction. The formation of the contours of the new world order, which is currently taking place, is accompanied by serious changes in the geopolitical picture of the world, including the emergence of new global players. Among them, BRICS stands out as an international association of countries that build their relations on the principles of equal coopera-tion. The purpose of the study is to explore the opportunities, prospects and challenges that co-operation within the BRICS will face. Materials and methods. The theoretical and methodologi-cal basis of the research was the work of Russian and foreign authors, focusing on issues of sys-temic global transformation and the formation of new models of globalization. Research results. The article examines current trends in international cooperation within the framework of BRICS. The analysis of the place and role of BRICS in the global economy is carried out, in-cluding in comparison with the indicators of economic development of the G7 countries. Possi-ble prospects for further expansion of the BRICS in various formats have been explored, priority areas for deepening cooperation between the BRICS member countries and BRICS outreach partners have been identified, the creation of the BRICS Bridge unified payment system has been considered and its role for further expansion of the block has been determined. Discussion and conclusion. Deepening cooperation within the BRICS opens up serious prospects for the development of the national economies of its member countries, as well as partner countries, whose accession to the bloc may be a matter of the near future.