Jim O'Neill, the economist who coined the term BRICS, is raising doubts about the bloc's ability to challenge the West. In an interview with Al Jazeera, O'Neill discussed the BRICS economy, the India-China trade relationship, and the bloc's expansion. He argued that Donald Trump has made BRICS politically relevant again, despite his tariff threats, which have paradoxically legitimized the bloc. O'Neill also discussed the limits of BRICS pay and the shared BRICS currency, stating that it is a long way from being a reality. He emphasized the importance of the India-China trade relationship and the potential for free trade between the two countries to boost global trade and economies. However, he also noted that the BRICS economy still lacks a coherent shared strategy and that meaningful structural change will require more than just an expanded membership list. O'Neill's insights provide a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the BRICS bloc in its quest to challenge the West.
