TEHRAN(Bazaar) – Robert Smith, a professor at the University of San Francisco, believes that not only India but also many countries such as the European Union and Persian Gulf countries are not economically dependent on the United States. And they are developing their relations with the East.
Following is the text of the interview:
Q: Since January 1, 2024, Iran has officially become a permanent member of the BRICS. What is the importance of this membership for the BRICS group?
A: The expansion of BRICS and the creation of communication opportunities through Iran can be beneficial for the members of it. Iran's most important concern is dealing with the sanctions imposed by the United States. Therefore, trade relation of Iran has limited. It can change its position by becoming a member of multilateral organizations such as BRICS.
Q: BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are among the organizations that some experts believe will manage the ‘Global South’. What is your assessment?
A: There are many ambiguities about the concept of "Global South". Some believe that China and India are trying to manage the global south. If China’s Belt and Road Initiative is completed and achieves its goals, we can hope that these organizations can manage the Global South.
Q: Considering agendas such as de-dollarization in BRICS and SCO, do you think these organizations will be able to challenge the western order in the international system?
A: Challenging the dollar and the US-led international order is now just an assumption, It is far from reality. The member countries of this Organization are basically anti-Western and anti-liberal order, and they intend to challenge by using the policy of de-dollarization among themselves.
Q: India plays a balanced policy against the East and the West, and its membership in BRICS and Shanghai shows that Delhi does not pursue all its interests in the West. In your opinion, this issue will not be a challenge for such countries in the future, and it will be possible for them to follow a ‘hedging strategy’?
A: Not only India but also many countries such as the European Union and Persian Gulf countries are not economically dependent on the United States as. And they are developing their relations with the East. The international system is moving towards multilateralism and multipolarity, and countries must adapt to its rules.
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