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The rise of BRICS: The end of dollar dominance in global economic arena

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In the current changing world, the BRICS group has emerged as a new player in the global political and economic arena. The key players in this group are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and other countries have recently joined this group, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.

This variety of countries has increased the strength of this group in terms of politics, economy and geography. These countries, which account for more than 45pc of the world’s population and 26.98pc of the world’s gross domestic product, play an important role in global political and economic developments. In this sense, BRICS is considered as an influential factor in economic and political developments.

The tendency of new countries to join this platform shows their desire to reduce their dependence on the US dollar and western markets. Thus, BRICS seeks to create a common currency to strengthen economic cooperation and facilitate trade between member countries, which can replace the dollar in economic exchanges in the future.

Reducing dependence on the dollar:

The dominance of the US dollar over the world economy began after the end of World War II and the establishment of the Bretton Woods system in 1944, in which the dollar was introduced as the main currency for international trade, but this dominance ended with the abandonment of the gold standard in 1971.

Therefore, one of the main goals of the BRICS countries to create a common currency is to reduce dependence on the US dollar as a global currency and its dominance in international trade. BRICS member countries seek to remain immune from currency fluctuations and US economic sanctions.

The strength of economic cooperation: 

The creation of a common currency can help facilitate trade between BRICS countries and prevent additional costs related to currency conversion.

This issue can increase the competitiveness of the goods and services of member countries in domestic and foreign markets and promote regional trade in a faster and cheaper way. Increasing trade between member countries directly contributes to economic growth.

Strengthening the political position:

The BRICS countries seek to strengthen their position in the international arena and reduce the influence of Western powers and challenge the dominance of the dollar. A common currency can help strengthen international cooperation and representation of these countries in the global financial system. Building stronger ties between member states can also help strengthen them on the world stage.

Attracting and facilitating investment:

By creating a common currency and ensuring financial stability, the attraction of foreign investment will be boosted. Foreign investors can easily cooperate in many projects both independently and jointly because challenges related to costs and other currency conversion problems have been resolved, this will help facilitate trade and investment for BRICS members.

An introduction to the prerequisites for creating a new currency for BRICS members

Creating a common currency for BRICS members can help strengthen economic cooperation and reduce dependence on traditional currencies such as the US dollar.

However, certain prerequisites are necessary for this initiative to succeed. These prerequisites include strong economic cooperation among the member countries, political stability, creating a coherent financial system and suitable legal arrangements for the diverse economy of the members.

Providing these above conditions can pave the way for the adoption and effective use of the new currency and help to strengthen the position of BRICS in the global financial system.

Prerequisites:

To create a common currency, the BRICS countries need certain conditions, including providing a suitable platform for strong economic cooperation among the member countries, economic diversity, cohesion to create a financial system, and political stability, which is the most important pillar of this prerequisite. In order for the new currency to be implemented, the member countries must reach full economic convergence. This convergence includes common understanding and agreement on financial, commercial and economic policies.

Political support:

Creating a common currency requires strong political support from the BRICS leaders. Despite the symbolic support for the new currency at the meeting of the BRICS members in Russia, the members of the group must remain steadfast on the political support of this issue, otherwise it can cause difficulties in the process of this joint project.

Challenges: Major differences in size and economic structure

One of the main challenges in creating a BRICS common currency is the economic and financial differences between member countries.

BRICS countries have different economic structures and these differences can lead to conflicts in financial and currency policies.

For example, China and India as larger and faster growing economies in BRICS will have a high capacity to influence common policies, while the economies of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran are dependent on natural gas and oil resources.

Brazil and South Africa both have smaller economies and are relatively dependent on certain industries such as agriculture, mining and raw materials.

Ethiopia is a country that has one of the highest economic growth rates in Africa, and agriculture plays an important role in the Ethiopian economy, and this country is recently trying to become a commercial and industrial center in East Africa.

As the second largest economy in the world, China is considered the largest and most industrialized economy and the driving force of BRICS, which undoubtedly plays a dominant role in the economy of this group.

This situation can lead to more dependence of member countries on China and economic differences between members; Because smaller countries may not be able to keep up with the speed of growth and economic complexity of China.

AMERICA

Biden plans to write off Ukraine’s $4.6bn debt ahead of Trump

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President Joe Biden’s administration has officially notified Congress of its intention to forgive Ukraine’s $4.65 billion debt, a move tied to ongoing efforts to support the country amid its conflict with Russia.

This debt represents half of the $9 billion provided to Kyiv as part of the $61 billion aid package approved by Washington in April. Unlike other forms of assistance, this funding was issued as conditionally repayable loans, with provisions allowing the United States President to cancel up to 50% of the debt if deemed necessary.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department explained that the debt cancellation is intended to “help Ukraine win” and serves the national interests of the U.S., the EU, G7+, and NATO.”

According to Bloomberg, President Biden is determined to maximize aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. However, the decision to write off the debt has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans.

Republican Senator Rand Paul argued that the Biden administration’s decision places undue financial burden on the American public. He pledged to demand a vote in the Senate to challenge the proposal.

Despite this, Bloomberg notes that any effort to overturn the debt cancellation would require approval from both houses of Congress, a scenario that appears unlikely given the Democratic majority in the Senate. Furthermore, President Biden holds veto power, making reversal of the decision even more challenging.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced plans to exhaust all remaining aid approved by Congress before President Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that one of the administration’s key goals is to position Ukraine as strongly as possible—both militarily and at the negotiating table.

Pentagon officials reported that $9.3 billion in military aid is currently in the pipeline. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed plans for weekly arms deliveries to Kyiv, with the aim of expediting aid distribution before the presidential transition.

On November 20, the Pentagon unveiled an additional $275 million military aid package for Ukraine, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

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AMERICA

Donald Trump taps Howard Lutnick to lead Commerce Department

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Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Wall Street investor and campaign donor Howard Lutnick as the new head of the U.S. Department of Commerce, placing the billionaire at the forefront of implementing the sweeping tariffs promised during his presidential campaign.

Lutnick, who co-chaired Trump’s transition team, had previously been considered for the role of Treasury Secretary. He is also the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, a prominent investment firm.

In a statement on Tuesday, Trump declared that Lutnick would be “directly responsible” for leading the Commerce Department and overseeing the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The USTR, established in 1974 to manage negotiations with U.S. trading partners, traditionally reports directly to the president. If confirmed by the Senate, the 63-year-old Lutnick will play a pivotal role in aiding U.S. businesses and executing Trump’s proposed tariffs on international trade partners.

Trump has outlined plans for a 60% tariff on imports from China and a global tariff of up to 20%, signaling a major shift in U.S. trade policy.

Lutnick, despite lacking prior government experience, has been a steadfast advocate for Trump’s economic agenda. During a New York campaign rally, Lutnick remarked, “When was America great? At the turn of the century, our economy was floundering! That was 125 years ago. We had no income tax and all we had were tariffs.”

While Lutnick has emerged as a major donor to Trump, he has also supported establishment Democrats and Republicans in the past, including Chuck Schumer and Jeb Bush. He contributed to both Hillary Clinton’s 2008 and 2016 campaigns, hosting a fundraiser for her in 2015. Lutnick maintains a personal friendship with the Clintons, noting their attendance at a Cantor Fitzgerald fundraiser in September 2022.

Lutnick has also maintained a long-standing relationship with Trump, even appearing on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2008. He disclosed to the Financial Times in October that he has donated over $10 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign and another $500,000 to the transition team, totaling approximately $75 million.

Treasury Secretary selection process still uncertain

The position of Treasury Secretary, one of the most significant roles in Trump’s administration, remains undecided. Lutnick’s name has been floated for the role, though he faces competition from hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, private equity billionaire Marc Rowan, and former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh.

Marc Rowan, the CEO of Apollo Global Management, has emerged as a leading contender and is expected to meet with Trump to present his case. Rowan’s supporters cite his extensive expertise in financial markets, though competition remains fierce.

Forecasting site Polymarket currently lists Warsh as the favorite for Treasury Secretary, followed by Bessent, Rowan, and William Hagerty. If unsuccessful in his bid for Treasury Secretary, Bessent is reportedly vying for the chairmanship of the National Economic Council.

Trump names Mehmet Oz to run Medicare and Medicaid

Trump also announced on Tuesday his nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Describing Oz as “one of the most talented physicians” capable of “making America healthy again,” Trump expressed confidence in Oz’s ability to reduce waste and fraud within the nation’s largest government agency.

Dr. Oz, a former heart surgeon and Columbia University professor, rose to prominence as Oprah Winfrey’s health expert before hosting his own popular talk show. However, his career has been controversial, with critics accusing him of promoting scientifically dubious theories and unproven treatments.

Oz’s political experience includes a 2022 Senate race in Pennsylvania, where he was endorsed by Trump but ultimately lost to Democrat John Fetterman.

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U.S. may start its plan to separate Google from Chrome

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) may move forward with plans to force the sale of Google’s Chrome web browser as part of its ongoing antitrust case against Alphabet (Google).

According to sources familiar with the case, the department intends to ask the judge—who ruled in August that Google illegally monopolized the search market—to address concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI) and the Android smartphone operating system. This information was reported by Bloomberg.

Antitrust officials, along with participating state attorneys, are expected to recommend that federal Judge Amit Mehta impose data licensing requirements on Google. These officials have indicated that Chrome, the world’s most widely used browser, is a critical gateway for many users accessing Google Search. For this reason, they are urging the judge to mandate the sale of Chrome.

Officials stated that a Chrome sale could be considered later if other settlement measures fail to foster a more competitive market. Currently, Google Chrome commands a dominant 61% share of the U.S. browser market, according to StatCounter, a web traffic analysis service.

Over the past three months, state attorneys interviewed numerous companies to prepare their recommendations. Officials noted that some recommendations are still under review, and details may evolve before submission.

While a proposal to force Google to sell its Android platform was considered, officials have since stepped back from this more aggressive option.

If Judge Mehta adopts these recommendations, the ruling could significantly reshape the online search market and influence the emerging artificial intelligence industry.

The case, originally filed during the Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden, represents one of the most aggressive efforts to regulate a major tech company in decades. The last comparable attempt was Washington’s unsuccessful bid to break up Microsoft in the early 2000s.

Chrome plays a crucial role in Google’s advertising business by providing user data that enhances ad targeting, a primary revenue source. Additionally, Google has been leveraging Chrome to promote Gemini, its new AI bot. Gemini has the potential to evolve from a simple answer bot to a comprehensive assistant, supporting users across the web.

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Mandeep Singh estimates that Chrome could be worth $15–20 billion if sold, considering its more than 3 billion monthly active users. However, Bob O’Donnell of TECHnalysis Research notes that Chrome’s value depends on its integration with other services, stating: “It’s not directly monetizable. It acts as a gateway to other things. Monetization would depend on how buyers link Chrome to their services.”

Google has strongly opposed the DOJ’s recommendations. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, criticized the move as government overreach, arguing: “This agenda goes far beyond the legal issues in this case and will harm consumers, developers, and American technological leadership at a critical time.”

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt echoed this sentiment in an interview with CNBC. He emphasized the value of Chrome in enhancing the Google ecosystem, stating: “Singling out these companies won’t fundamentally solve the broader issues.”

In a blog post, Google warned that under new ownership, Chrome might no longer remain free or receive the same level of investment, potentially leading to a shift in its business model.

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