Dialogue Works

Nima Rostami Alkhorshid:

1. What is the significance of the BRICS summit in Brazil, particularly regarding global economic dynamics?
2. How do tariffs imposed by the U.S., such as those on Brazil, affect international trade and relations?
3. Why are the BRICS countries struggling to create a unified alternative to the Western economic system?
4. What role does the U.S. play in dividing and weakening the BRICS alliance through economic policies?
5. How does the concept of "grabization" explain the current economic behavior of the U.S. and its allies?

Michael Hudson:

1. The BRICS summit highlights the shift from U.S.-dominated globalization to a multipolar world where countries seek independence from Western financial systems.
2. Tariffs like those imposed on Brazil aim to bully nations into submission, but they also push BRICS countries to strengthen internal trade and reduce reliance on the U.S.
3. BRICS lacks a clear blueprint for breaking away from neoliberalism, with members more reactive than proactive in forming new economic institutions.
4. The U.S. exploits divisions within BRICS—especially using India and Brazil—to prevent a united front against American economic dominance.
5. “Grabization” refers to elites stripping resources for short-term gain, mirroring the Soviet Union’s collapse and currently seen in U.S. policies.

Richard Wolff:

1. The BRICS’ achievements, like $1 trillion in internal trade, show progress despite differences, partly driven by Trump’s tariffs pushing them together.
2. Tariffs primarily hurt American consumers, not foreign exporters, creating inflationary pressures that could undermine U.S. competitiveness.
3. BRICS remains divided due to geopolitical maneuvering, similar to how European distrust hampers unity among nations.
4. Lula’s stance on globalization emphasizes that the issue isn’t globalization itself, but U.S. imperialism using it for domination.
5. BRICS must redefine economic development beyond capitalism, embracing cooperative models that prioritize community over profit-driven monopolies.