Editor-in-Chief: Inna Andronova, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor Published since: 2025. ISSN (online) ........ Publication frequency: quarterly Open Access Publication fee: No fees are charged. Peer review: Double-blind. Publication languages: English, Russian. Publisher: Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
All rights to the article belong to the authors. The authors grant the journal publisher the rights to use the article, including making the article available in open access, under the non-exclusive licence set forth below (Author Agreement (Public Offer)). All copyright remains with the authors. Author Agreement (Public Offer) on Publication of an Article in the Scientific Journal “BRICS+: Current Agenda” The Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba” (RUDN University), represented by the First Vice-Rector–Vice-Rector for Research Andrey Aleksandrovich Kostin, acting on the basis of Power of Attorney dated 21 May 2025 №0036-09/25-122 (hereinafter referred to as the “Publisher”), on the one hand, hereby offers an indefinite group of persons (hereinafter referred to as the “Author”), on the other hand, and together hereinafter referred to as the “Parties”, to enter into this agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) on the publication of scientific materials (hereinafter referred to as the “Article”) in the scientific journal “BRICS+: Current Agenda” (hereinafter referred to as the “Journal”) under the terms and conditions set forth below. 1. General Provisions 1.1. This Agreement, pursuant to Article 437(2) of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, constitutes a public offer (hereinafter referred to as the “Offer”), full and unconditional acceptance (acceptance) of which, pursuant to Article 438 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, shall be deemed the submission by the Author of their materials by uploading them to the online electronic submission system for receiving articles for review, located in the relevant section of the Journal’s website at: https://bricsplus-j.ru in the information and telecommunications network “Internet” (hereinafter referred to as the “Internet”). 1.2. In accordance with the applicable legislation of the Russian Federation regarding copyright compliance for electronic information resources, the materials of the website, electronic journal, or project may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form (electronic or printed) without prior consent of the authors and the editorial office of the Journal. Such consent may be expressed by placing the relevant permission (an open licence Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 CC BY-NC) in the relevant section of the Journal’s website (at the location where the published materials are размещены) on the Journal’s website on the Internet. When using published materials in the context of other documents, reference to the original source is required. 1.3. The Journal is registered with the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor). 2. Terms Used in the Agreement Author – an individual(s) whose creative work created the Article. Acceptance of the Offer – full and unconditional acceptance of the Offer under the terms specified in Section 3 of the Agreement (the Author accepts the Offer by submitting an application to the Publisher, i.e., by uploading the Article and accompanying materials to the online electronic submission system for receiving articles for review, located in the relevant section of the Journal’s website at https://bricsplus-j.ru). Journal – the scientific journal “BRICS+: Current Agenda”. Application – an electronic request by the Author to the Publisher for publication of the Article in the Journal by uploading the article and accompanying materials to the online electronic submission system for receiving articles for review, located in the relevant section of the Journal’s website (https://bricsplus-j.ru) on the Internet. 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Editorial Office of the Journal – the creative team responsible for preparing the Journal for publication. Editorial Board – an advisory body under the Editorial Office of the Journal. Article – the result of fundamental and applied research presented as a scientific paper, review paper, scientific communication, bibliographic review on specific research topics, or a historical note devoted to figures in Russian and foreign science, submitted by the Author for publication in the Journal. Parties – the Author and the Publisher. Article Requirements – requirements for materials published in the Journal, размещенные (posted) in the “For Authors” section of the Journal’s website at https://bricsplus-j.ru. Service – размещение (publication) of the Article in the Journal on the basis of the Author’s Application. 3. Subject of the Agreement (Offer) 3.1. Under this Agreement, the Author grants the Publisher, free of charge, for the term of copyright protection provided by the legislation of the Russian Federation, a non-exclusive licence to use the Article created by the Author for publication in the Journal. 3.2. The rights to use the Article transferred under this Agreement include, but are not limited to: reproduction of the Article or any part thereof, as well as the article metadata in Russian and English, in any material form, including paper and electronic media, as a separate work in journals and/or databases (local or online) of the Publisher and/or other persons, at the Publisher’s discretion; distribution of the Article or any part thereof, as well as the article metadata in Russian and English, on any medium as part of the Journal and/or databases of the Publisher or other persons, at the Publisher’s discretion, or as an independent work worldwide on an open access basis or by subscription, without payment of remuneration to the Author; making the Article or any part thereof, as well as the article metadata in Russian and English, available to the public in such a way that any person may access the Article from any place and at any time of their choosing (including via the Internet); granting permissions to third parties to use the Article and its parts, as well as the article metadata in Russian and English, with notification to the Author by posting relevant information on the Journal’s website, without payment of remuneration to the Author; adaptation, including translation of the Article (including into foreign languages), and use of the adapted (translated) Article in the above ways; other rights not expressly transferred to the Publisher under this Agreement, including patent rights to any processes, techniques, or methods, etc., described by the Author in the Article, as well as trademark rights, remain with the Author. 3.3. The territory in which the rights to use the Article are permitted is not limited. 3.4. This Agreement enters into force from the moment the Article is submitted to the Journal—i.e., when the Article and accompanying materials are uploaded to the online electronic submission system for receiving articles for review, located in the relevant section of the Journal’s website at https://bricsplus-j.ru on the Internet (hereinafter referred to as “Uploading of the Article”). 3.5. The rights are granted by the Author to the Publisher free of charge, and publication of the Article in the Journal does not entail any financial payments to the Author. 3.6. If the Publisher decides to refuse publication of the Article in the Journal, this Agreement becomes void. The decision to refuse publication is sent to the Author at the email address specified in the Application. 3.7. During the term of this Agreement, the Publisher undertakes to provide the Author with services related to publication of the Article on the Journal’s website at https://bricsplus-j.ru on the Internet. 4. General Terms of Service Provision 4.1. The Publisher provides services to the Author only if the following conditions are met: the Author has provided, by Uploading of the Article, all materials that comply with the requirements of this Offer; the Author has accepted the Offer. 4.2. Services are provided to the Author free of charge. 4.3. If the materials are provided by the Author in violation of the rules and requirements of this Offer, the Publisher has the right to refuse to place them. 4.4. During the term of the Agreement, the Publisher shall not be liable for unauthorized use by third parties of the data provided by the Author. 5. Rights and Obligations of the Parties 5.1. The Author warrants that: they are the lawful holder of the exclusive rights to the Article; the rights granted to the Publisher under this Agreement have not previously been and will not be granted to third parties until publication of the Article by the Publisher in the Journal; the Article contains all references to cited authors and/or publications (materials) required by applicable copyright legislation; the Author has obtained all necessary permissions for the results, facts, and other borrowed materials used in the Article, where the Author is not the rights holder; the Article does not contain materials prohibited from open publication under applicable legislation of the Russian Federation, and its publication and distribution will not result in disclosure of secret (confidential) information (including state secrets); the Author has reviewed the editorial policy and ethical principles published on the Journal’s website (https://bricsplus-j.ru), understands the consequences of violating these principles, has informed other Co-authors about the terms of this Agreement, and has obtained the consent of all Co-authors to enter into this Agreement under the terms provided herein. 5.2. The Author undertakes to: submit the manuscript of the Article in accordance with the Article Requirements posted on the Journal’s website at https://bricsplus-j.ru; not use, for commercial purposes and in other publications without the Publisher’s consent, the electronic copy of the Article prepared by the Publisher; during preparation of the Article for publication, the Author undertakes to: a) introduce into the text of the Article the corrections indicated by reviewers and accepted by the Editorial Office of the Journal and/or, if necessary, revise the Article at the request of the Publisher and the Editorial Office; b) review the proof of the Article within the time limits established by the Journal’s publication schedule; c) introduce into the proof only the minimum corrections necessary to correct errors made in the original Article and/or to introduce factual and conjunctural changes. 5.3. The Author has the right to: provide third parties with an electronic copy of the published Article supplied by the Publisher in accordance with Clause 5.4 of this Agreement, in whole or in part, for inclusion of the Article in academic databases and repositories for the purpose of promoting academic or scientific research or for informational and educational purposes, provided that references to the Author, the Journal, and the Publisher are ensured. 5.4. The Publisher undertakes to: publish the Author’s Article in print and electronic form in the Journal in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; by decision of the Editorial Office of the Journal, where necessary, provide the Author with the proof of the Article layout and incorporate the Author’s justified corrections; provide the Author with an electronic copy of the published Article to the Author’s email address within 15 working days from the date the issue of the Journal is published; comply with the Author’s rights under applicable legislation and take all necessary measures to prevent infringement of the authors’ rights by third parties. 5.5. The Publisher has the right to: carry out technical and copyediting of the Article without changing its core content; conduct an expert assessment of the Article and propose that the Author make necessary changes, until which the Article will not be placed in the Journal; in any subsequent permitted use by the Author (and/or other persons) of the Journal and/or the Article (including any part or excerpt), require such persons to provide a reference to the Journal, the Publisher, the Author or other copyright holders, the title of the Article, the issue number of the Journal, and the year of publication as indicated in the Journal; place preliminary and/or promotional information about the forthcoming publication of the Article in mass media and other information sources; establish rules (conditions) for acceptance and publication of materials in the Journal. The Editorial Board of the Journal, chaired by the Editor-in-Chief, holds the exclusive right to select and/or reject materials submitted to the Editorial Office for publication. The manuscript (material medium) submitted by the Author to the Editorial Office is not subject to return. The Editorial Office does not engage in correspondence regarding the rejection of an Article by the Editorial Board; temporarily suspend provision of services to the Author under this Agreement for technical, technological, or other reasons preventing service provision, for the period necessary to eliminate such reasons; suspend provision of services under this Agreement unilaterally out of court in the following cases: a) if the Article does not correspond to the scope of the Journal (or any part thereof), or the submitted material is insufficient for independent publication, or the formatting of the Article does not meet the requirements; b) if the Author violates other obligations assumed under the Offer; amend the Offer in accordance with the procedure established by the Offer. 5.6. In all matters not provided for in this Agreement, the Parties shall be governed by the applicable legislation of the Russian Federation. 6. Acceptance of the Offer and Term of the Agreement 6.1. This Agreement enters into force from the moment it is concluded, when the Author accepts the Offer by submitting an application to the Publisher—Uploading of the Article—and remains valid for 5 years. 6.2. Acceptance of the Offer by the Author creates an Agreement concluded in written form (Articles 438 and 1286.1 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation) under the terms of the Offer. 6.3. If neither Party sends the other Party written notice of termination no later than two months before the end of the prescribed five-year term, the term of the Publisher’s rights to the Works is automatically extended for a similar term. The number of extensions is not limited. 6.4. The term of this Agreement may not exceed the term of the exclusive rights to the Article under the legislation of the Russian Federation. 6.5. Transfer (assignment) by the Author of the exclusive right to the work to a third party does not terminate this Agreement. 7. Procedure for Amendment and Termination of the Agreement 7.1. The Publisher has the right to amend the terms of this Agreement unilaterally by notifying the Author at least 10 (ten) calendar days before the relevant changes enter into force, via the Journal’s website or by sending a notice by email to the Author’s email address specified in the Application. The changes enter into force on the date specified in the relevant notice. 7.2. If the Author does not agree with the amended terms of this Agreement, the Author has the right to send the Publisher a written notice of отказ (refusal) of this Agreement by uploading such notice to the online electronic submission system for receiving articles for review located on the Journal’s website at https://bricsplus-j.ru on the Internet, or by sending the notice to the official email address of the Journal’s Editorial Office indicated on the Journal’s website. 7.3. This Agreement may be terminated early: by mutual agreement of the Parties at any time; on other grounds предусмотренных (provided for) by this Agreement. 7.4. The Author has the right to withdraw from this Agreement unilaterally by sending the Publisher a written notice at least 60 (sixty) calendar days before the intended publication date of the Author’s article in the Journal. 7.5. Termination of this Agreement on any grounds does not release the Parties from liability for violations of the terms of the Agreement that occurred during its term. 8. Liability 8.1. The Parties shall bear liability for non-performance or improper performance of their obligations under this Agreement in accordance with the applicable legislation of the Russian Federation. 8.2. All information provided by the Author must be accurate. The Author is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information submitted to the Publisher. If inaccurate information provided by the Author is used, the Publisher shall not be liable for negative consequences caused by actions based on such inaccurate information. 8.3. The Author bears full responsibility for compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on advertising, protection of copyright and related rights, protection of trademarks and service marks, and protection of consumer rights. 8.4. The Publisher shall not bear any liability under this Agreement: a) for any actions that are a direct or indirect result of the Author’s actions; b) for any losses of the Author regardless of whether the Publisher could have foreseen the possibility of such losses. 8.5. The Publisher is released from liability for breach of the Agreement if such breach is caused by force majeure, including actions of public authorities (including adoption of legal acts), fire, flood, earthquake, other natural disasters, absence of electricity and/or failures of the computer network, strikes, civil unrest, riots, and any other circumstances. 9. Dispute Resolution Procedure 9.1. Disputes and disagreements shall be resolved by the Parties through negotiations, and in case no agreement is reached, in accordance with the applicable legislation of the Russian Federation. 9.2. If disagreements remain unresolved, disputes shall be settled in court at the Publisher’s place of location in accordance with the applicable legislation of the Russian Federation. 10. Miscellaneous 10.1. Any notices, messages, requests, etc. (except for documents that must be sent as original hard copies in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation) shall be deemed received by the Author if transmitted (sent) by the Publisher via the Journal’s website (including by posting), by fax, by email specified in the Application, or via other communication channels. The Parties acknowledge the legal validity of notices, messages, requests, etc. transmitted (sent) by the above methods. 10.2. If claims are made against the Publisher related to infringement of exclusive copyright and other intellectual property rights of third parties during creation of the Article or in connection with the Author’s conclusion of this Agreement, the Author undertakes to: immediately, upon receipt of the Publisher’s notice, take measures to settle disputes with third parties, and, if necessary, join court proceedings on the Publisher’s side and take all actions necessary to exclude the Publisher from the list of defendants; reimburse the Publisher for incurred court costs, expenses, and losses caused by interim measures and enforcement of a court decision, amounts paid to third parties for infringement of exclusive copyright and other intellectual property rights, as well as other losses incurred by the Publisher due to the Author’s breach of the warranties provided under this Agreement. 10.3. In accordance with Article 6 of Federal Law “On Personal Data” No. 152-FZ dated 27 July 2006, from the moment this Agreement is concluded and until the Parties’ obligations under this Agreement are terminated, the Author consents to the processing by the Publisher of the following personal data of the Author: surname, first name, patronymic; taxpayer identification number (INN); date and place of birth; citizenship information; details of identity documents; addresses of registration and actual residence; email addresses; postal address with postal code; contact phone numbers; fax numbers; information about places of work. 10.4. The Publisher has the right to process the above personal data for the purposes of performance of this Agreement, including providing information and reference services to the Author. Processing of personal data means actions (operations) with personal data, including collection, systematization, accumulation, storage, уточнение (updating/alteration), use, dissemination (including transfer to third parties), anonymization, blocking, and destruction of personal data in accordance with applicable legislation of the Russian Federation. 10.5. The Author has the right to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data listed in Clause 10.3 by sending the Publisher a relevant notice in cases предусмотренных (provided for) by applicable legislation of the Russian Federation. Upon receipt of such notice, the Publisher has the right to suspend provision of services. 10.6. The Author voluntarily provides the Editorial Office of the Journal with information about themselves (and about each Co-author, upon prior agreement with them) including: surname, first name, patronymic, academic degree, academic title, position, affiliation (name and postal address of the organization), work phone number and email address, for the purpose of open publication in the Journal together with publication of the article. 11. Legal Address and Details of the Publisher Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba” (RUDN University) Address: 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation TIN (INN) 7728073720, KPP 772801001, PSRN (OGRN) 1027739189323 First Vice-Rector–Vice-Rector for Research A.A. Kostin
The Economic Development Potential of BRICS+ and the New Development Bank: A Comparative Analysis with the World Bank and the IMF
This article provides a comparative analysis of the roles played by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the current and potential role that the BRICS+ alliance through its New Development Bank (NDB) in both financing and developing policy recommendations aimed at economic development among member countries. The World Bank and IMF have traditionally been the main institutions influencing global economic policies. However, the emergence of BRICS+ as a significant player in the global economy has added a new dimension to this landscape. While the Bretton Woods institutions promoted and often imposed neoliberal policies on countries recipients of financing, the NDB places its focus on strengthening their economic sovereignty. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, the article examines the approaches, methodologies, and implications of these institutions in providing financing and advice to countries seeking to strengthen their economic sovereignty. Drawing on a wide range of academic literature, official documents, and case studies, this article highlights the various strategies employed by these institutions and assesses their effectiveness in supporting countries in implementing sovereign economic policies. Based on this, the article provides recommendations for the wider and more comprehensive approach of the BRICS+ and its NDB in order to improve its effectiveness to help its member countries in meeting the challenges of the multipolar world that is shaping up.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sumkoski G., Manshin R.V. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Features and Systematic Development of Digital Transformation in the Housing and Utilities Sector
The article presents a systematic analysis of digital transformation in the housing and communal services (HCS) sector. Methods of comparative analysis, data synthesis, and a systemic approach were used to identify key directions of digitalization, such as the integration of BIM, IoT, and artificial intelligence platforms, as well as the automation of resource accounting and management. An analysis of the effectiveness of digital solutions was conducted, main barriers were identified, and recommendations for the development of the regulatory framework and personnel training were proposed. The results confirm the importance of a systematic approach to improving service quality and sustainable development of the HCS sector. This work contributes to expanding scientific understanding of digital transformation and may serve as a basis for further research and practical developments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Verenikina A.Y., Budakov A.S. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Assessing ESG Commitment in BRICS Companies
While Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are globally recognized, their implementation within the BRICS bloc is uniquely complex due to diverse socio-economic contexts, varied institutional environments, and the largely discretionary nature of ESG reporting. Existing research points to substantial disparities in ESG performance among these nations, yet a systematic comparative analysis remains underexplored. This study aims to quantitatively assess and compare the level and nature of ESG commitment within leading companies across the BRICS nations to illuminate these distinct national priorities. The study employs a term frequency (TF) methodology to analyze non-financial corporate reports from the top 10 publicly listed companies in each BRICS country, selected by market capitalization and other financial indicators. A specialized ESG dictionary was developed based on Bloomberg’s rating methodology and categorized into four pillars: Environmental (E), Social (S), Governance (G), and Methodological (M). A Python script was used to calculate the frequency of these terms, providing a quantitative measure of disclosure focus. The analysis revealed significant heterogeneity in ESG reporting priorities across the bloc. Russian companies demonstrated the highest frequency of Environmental and Social terms. Chinese companies showed the strongest focus on Governance terminology. Brazilian companies led in the usage of Methodological and analytical terms. Overall ESG engagement, measured by total term frequency, was highest in China, followed by Brazil, with South Africa showing the lowest levels of disclosure.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ratner S.V., Arutiunian M.V. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
BRICS+ Is a Strategic Platform for Cooperation Among Countries in an Unstable Global Political Environment
The article analyzes the opportunities and main directions for developing the BRICS+ partnership and those who wish to join, emphasizing the importance of ensuring national conditions for the balanced development of all areas of the state’s life, including the economy, science, industry, education, information space, and social environment. The emerging strategic platform for cooperation should contribute to solving humanitarian issues and creating conditions for political and economic development, which will serve as an important foundation for the sustainability and prosperity of countries. This can only be achieved through the construction of a unified and indivisible security construct on the Eurasian continent.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yavchunovskay R.A., Gurinovich D.F. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evolution and Comparative Analysis of National Security Structures of BRICS Countries: Issues and Future Prospects for Integration
The growing geopolitical importance of the BRICS group, in the midst of the international liberal order’s crisis, requires a thorough analysis of the basic components of the state sovereignty of its members - their National Security Systems (NSS). The aim of this study is to determine common patterns and distinctive features in the architecture and strategic directions of the NSS of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as founding member-states of the group, with a simultaneous focus on evaluating the prospects for their unification within the framework of creating a polycentric system of international governance. The methodology for the study is founded on a systematic and comparative study of official strategic documents, legislative documents, scientific works, and statements from political elites. The study’s outcomes indicate that, in spite of fundamental distinctions in political systems, all BRICS nations demonstrate a comprehensive approach towards security, with economic, energy, and informational dimensions, corresponding with their role of so-called “emerging powers” or “rising powers”. The fundamental finding is that the full institutional unification of the BRICS NSS is impossible due to fundamental distinctions in political regimes, mutually antagonistic national interests, and differing threat perceptions, corresponding with the basic assumptions of the neorealist school. Nevertheless, the study determines promising directions for limited and situational unification in the area of non-traditional threats of a security nature, such as cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and military-technical coordination, corresponding with the logic of neoliberal institutionalism. Prospects for such interaction within BRICS do not reside within the creation of a hard alliance framework, but rather with the formation of a “flexible geometry” and network interaction on specific, non-ideologized directions for interstate interaction, corresponding with a model of “sovereignty integration” within each BRIC member’s NSS.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdrakhimov L.G. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
BRICS in Latin America: Opportunities and Constraints of Cooperation
The article examines the prospects and challenges associated with the potential expansion of BRICS in the Latin American region. The research is based on the application of PESTLE and SWOT analytical frameworks, which make it possible to structure the factors of interaction and provide a systematic assessment of its dynamics. The paper consistently examines the key determinants of this process. The political context is shaped by the counteraction of the United States, the intra-regional dynamics of the “pink tide,” and Brazil’s role as a regional leader within the bloc. Economic factors - such as the complementarity of national economies, access to investments from the New Development Bank, and opportunities to enter new markets - serve as the main incentives for Latin American countries. In addition, the study highlights the influence of social factors, particularly the pro-Western orientation of regional states, as well as the importance of technological cooperation and legal aspects related to the informal status of BRICS. The authors identify the strengths (economic potential, ideological appeal) and opportunities (amplification of the “Global South” voice, implementation of infrastructure projects) that foster closer cooperation. At the same time, the paper outlines the weaknesses (institutional amorphousness, internal contradictions) and threats (external geopolitical pressure, regional instability) that constrain the integration of Latin American countries into the BRICS framework. In conclusion, the authors argue that the most sustainable form of engagement could be the “BRICS+” model, which envisages expanding the circle of dialogue partners without granting full membership. This approach would make it possible to minimize risks and strengthen the position of the association in the global system.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kuznetsov D.A., Ukkonen A.S. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Russia-China Cooperation in the Arctic: A Pathway to Technological Sovereignty
This article examines Russian-Chinese cooperation in the Arctic, with the primary objective of assessing its role in advancing technological sovereignty and safeguarding the national interests of both states. It reviews domestic scholarly perspectives in Russia and China on sovereignty challenges and strategic threats, and explores bilateral mechanisms for mitigating these risks. The study also analyzes the implementation of current and recently updated Arctic strategies of both nations. The findings indicate that while Russia and China maintain distinct national priorities, their strategic interests largely converge, thereby strengthening the potential for sustained bilateral cooperation in the Arctic region
Copyright (c) 2026 Zainullin S.B., Lei S. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Afghanistan and BRICS: A SWOT Analysis of Integrating an Isolated State into New International Alliances
This article examines Afghanistan’s potential integration into the BRICS framework amid its profound international isolation following the Taliban’s* return to power in 2021. The central research question explores whether and how Afghanistan - despite lacking formal diplomatic recognition, facing severe socio-economic constraints, and implementing restrictive domestic policies - can engage with BRICS and its expanded BRICS+ formats. To address this, the study employs a qualitative SWOT analysis grounded in a systematic review of academic literature, policy documents, and official reports, integrating insights from key scholarly works on regional integration, SCO-BRICS dynamics, and the structural challenges of expanded BRICS cooperation. The analysis reveals that while Afghanistan possesses strategic geographic positioning, vast mineral resources, and growing interest from BRICS members in infrastructure and humanitarian cooperation, its path to meaningful engagement is hindered by non-recognition, institutional fragility, gender-based restrictions, and persistent security threats - particularly from Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS Khorasan)**. The findings suggest that Afghanistan’s most viable trajectory lies in phased, low-threshold participation through BRICS+ thematic dialogues and project-based initiatives (e. g., the Trans-Afghan Railway and mining ventures), which could gradually enhance its diplomatic agency. However, without significant improvements in governance, macroeconomic stability, and human capital inclusivity, Afghanistan risks remaining a “passive beneficiary” rather than an active co-shaper within the emerging BRICS-led order.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ranjbar Meshkin D., Atsakzai M.N., Koropenko D.A. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Economic Cooperation Among the Countries of the Global South: Institutional Transformations, Development Trajectories, and the Emerging Role of BRICS+
Economic cooperation among the countries of the Global South is reshaping the architecture of the world economy amid growing geopolitical fragmentation and the erosion of traditional centers of global influence. This article examines the structural foundations, institutional mechanisms, and new forms of South-South cooperation across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, focusing particularly on the coordination potential of the BRICS+ framework. The research employs comparative institutional analysis, network modeling of trade and investment linkages, and documentary analysis of national development strategies and multilateral agreements. The results reveal three major transformations: 1) the formation of transregional production and logistics corridors that bypass traditional global hubs; 2) accelerated institutionalization of new financial platforms and local-currency mechanisms; and 3) increasing technological and industrial collaboration within the Global South. The discussion highlights the persistent challenges of institutional heterogeneity, infrastructure asymmetry, and regulatory fragmentation, while also identifying strategic pathways for deepening cooperation. The article concludes that BRICS+ is evolving into a systemic coordination hub with the capacity to integrate regional initiatives and amplify the development potential of the Global South.
Copyright (c) 2026 Terzioglu H.C. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
African Ethnophilosophy: Reflexive Models and Anthropological Insights
The article examines two forms of African ethnic philosophy - Bantu and Ubuntu - that have been evolving in the postcolonial period of the continent. It highlights the core principles and the categorical framework of ethnophilosophy, rooted in the indigenous values and traditions of African peoples. The analysis focuses on Bantu philosophy, widespread in Southern Africa and theoretically founded in Placide Tempels’ seminal work Bantu Philosophy. The study emphasizes the ontological and anthropocentric nature of Bantu thought, which is based on the belief in a special life force permeating the peoples belonging to this broad ethnic group. It explores the worldview of African ethnic communities shaped by Bantu philosophy and discusses the pursuit of identity through this philosophical lens. The article also identifies the metaphysical principles of Ubuntu ethnophilosophy, where ubuntu means “humanity” in Zulu. Ubuntu, as both a worldview and a mode of theorizing among sub-Saharan peoples, encapsulates two fundamental dimensions: rootedness in cosmic being and the unfolding of human existence within the universe. The study traces certain paradigmatic features of Ubuntu as a philosophy that transcends specific ethnic communities. It introduces the African conceptualization of umuntu, which, in a universal philosophical sense, denotes the notion of a human being. The article underscores the significance of both Bantu and Ubuntu philosophies for the social, cultural, educational, and political development of the African continent
Copyright (c) 2026 Chistyakova O.V. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Problems of Contemporary Development of Traditional Chinese Music: Part 1
In the formation and development of contemporary Chinese musical practice, the issues of external influences and national identity have become matters of significant concern at the state level. In recent years, scholars in China have increasingly noted that traditional musicology should not be restricted in its use of global methodologies and approaches within music science. Traditional music represents an essential component of Chinese culture and is characterized by its diversity and complexity. This paper focuses on the specificity of musical thinking in traditional Chinese music, the modern development of its styles and genres, and the influence of traditional Chinese music on contemporary composers. It also seeks to outline possible pathways for the future development of China’s national music, drawing on an analysis of relevant historical facts and classical Chinese musical works.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhang L., Gradova E.V. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
In Search of Russian Identity: Philosophical Themes in the Works of V.N. Belov
In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to the issue of Russian identity. In this context, there is a growing need for a detailed exploration of the phenomenon of Russian identity under contemporary conditions. This article examines Russian philosophy as a key factor shaping Russia’s national identity. Special emphasis is placed on the works of Professor Vladimir Nikolaevich Belov, a leading scholar in the history of Russian philosophy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lebedeva A.V. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0