Cuba Joins BRICS: A Power Shift That Could Reshape Global Alliances

Cuba has taken a bold step onto the global stage by joining BRICS as a partner country, a move that could shift economic and political dynamics in Latin America and beyond. This status, granted following the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, allows Cuba to engage with the group’s initiatives and benefit from its economic influence without holding full membership. The decision underscores BRICS’ expanding reach as it seeks to counterbalance Western financial institutions and foster stronger ties among developing nations.

Cuba was among 13 nations invited to become BRICS partner countries, signalling the bloc’s continued efforts to reshape global economic structures. While not yet a full member, Cuba’s closer alignment with BRICS could bring significant financial relief by opening avenues for investment and trade. The group’s economic powerhouses—China, India, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa—could provide much-needed capital to revitalise Cuba’s struggling economy, potentially helping the island navigate long-standing US sanctions.

One of the most immediate benefits for Cuba would be increased trade opportunities. With major BRICS economies looking to expand their influence, Cuba stands to gain from enhanced cooperation in key sectors such as energy, technology, and agriculture. China and Russia, already close allies of Havana, are expected to deepen their economic engagement, potentially reducing Cuba’s dependence on traditional trading partners. Additionally, BRICS’ efforts to develop alternative financial systems independent of the US dollar could provide Cuba with new mechanisms to bypass US-imposed restrictions.

For BRICS, Cuba’s inclusion strengthens its foothold in Latin America. With Brazil already a member, bringing Cuba into the fold reinforces the bloc’s presence in the region and challenges the influence of Western institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Cuba’s longstanding role in promoting South-South cooperation aligns with BRICS’ mission to offer developing nations an alternative to Western-led economic structures.

However, Cuba’s partnership with BRICS is not without risks. Increased economic ties with the bloc could escalate tensions with the United States, which has maintained a decades-long embargo against Cuba. Washington may view this development as a strategic challenge, potentially leading to stricter sanctions or diplomatic countermeasures. Such actions could complicate Cuba’s economic recovery, particularly if the anticipated benefits of BRICS integration take time to materialise.

Domestically, BRICS engagement could push Cuba towards economic reforms. While Havana is unlikely to abandon its socialist model, the need to attract foreign investment may prompt shifts towards market-friendly policies, similar to those adopted by China and Vietnam. BRICS-backed projects could modernise Cuba’s infrastructure, boost its tourism industry, and unlock the potential of its key mineral exports, including nickel and cobalt. The country also possesses offshore oil reserves, though exploration has so far been limited.

Despite the opportunities, challenges remain. Unlike resource-rich nations such as Saudi Arabia or the UAE, which were among those invited to join BRICS as full members, Cuba’s economic contributions to the bloc may be limited. The island continues to grapple with inflation, supply shortages, and structural inefficiencies, raising questions about how effectively it can integrate into BRICS initiatives.

Ultimately, Cuba’s engagement with BRICS represents a strategic gamble—one that could provide economic relief and bolster the bloc’s influence in Latin America but also provoke resistance from the US and its allies. Success will depend on Cuba’s ability to leverage its new partnerships while navigating the geopolitical complexities that come with them.