Can BRICS challenge the Western order?

An enduring quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet encapsulates a conflictual tension between reality and uncertainty: "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." These words gain even more currency in today's discussions surrounding the organisation of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) and the Western-led international order. The summit takes place from 22-24 August, with one empty chair due to the international arrest warrant against the leader of one of the members, Vladimir Putin. Before every BRICS summit, a recurring view gets traction: the potential of this group to offer an alternative to the dominating…