"Global Interest Surges as BRICS Welcomes New Members Under Russian Leadership"

South Africa reports that 34 countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS economic group, which has expanded its membership for the first time in over a decade. Russia, as the current chair, is accepting applications, and the growing membership is seen as a win for China and Russia in their efforts to reshape the international system. The expansion adds major oil-producing Gulf economies to the body and comes as BRICS aims for more diplomatic and financial coordination, including reform of the UN Security Council and a move away from a US dollar-dominated trade system.