• Brazil hosts the BRICS summit focusing on trade and global cooperation.
• Notable absences include China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
• The summit agenda is cautious to avoid provoking Trump’s trade policies.
• Discussions will address recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
• Member countries push for a unified stance against U.S. dominance.

Brazil is hosting a BRICS summit on July 6-7, focusing on significant issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and potential trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The summit is set against a backdrop of geopolitical concerns, with leaders gathering to discuss ways to enhance cooperation, particularly among developing nations, amid fears of Western hegemony. Analysts caution that the enlarged BRICS, which has expanded its membership, may struggle with cohesion, impacting its global influence. The summit aims for a moderate agenda to minimize confrontation with the U.S., according to TRT Global and Le Monde.

During this summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to prioritize discussions on topics like artificial intelligence and climate change. Significant leaders, including China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin, will not attend in person due to various political challenges, heightening concerns regarding the group’s unity. Xi will delegate to Prime Minister Li Qiang while Putin will join via videoconference to avoid an international arrest warrant. Without their presence, some experts predict a lack of strong language on contentious global issues, including the conflict in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera and TRT Global.

The BRICS agenda also reflects growing concerns about U.S. trade tariffs, which several member states criticize as illegal and damaging to global economic stability. With Brazil chairing the bloc, there is an emphasis on maintaining a non-confrontational tone to prevent potential backlash from the Trump administration. Trump has previously warned of imposing severe tariffs against countries that undermine the U.S. dollar, influencing the summit's approach to U.S. relations. This sensitive dynamic is highlighted by a Brazilian government official's comments on maximizing opportunities for trade without provoking U.S. ire, as reported by Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

The challenges for BRICS in presenting a unified front are particularly evident as some member nations push for a firmer stance on current conflicts like the Israeli assaults on Iran, which could lead to divisions within the group. Reports from informed sources suggest a preference for less contentious language to ensure agreements can be reached without upsetting key members, further complicating the summit's goals for a cohesive declaration, as per TRT Global, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

The BRICS bloc, which now includes countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, is actively seeking to position itself as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions. Despite the notable absences, the summit remains a crucial platform for member nations to discuss and present alternatives to the current geopolitical landscape. The outcome of these discussions holds significant implications for the Global South, particularly regarding economic independence and multilateral governance, according to Al Jazeera and TRT Global.