BRICS Crucial for South Africa Amid Western 'Bullying,' Says Professor
BRICS Crucial for South Africa Amid Western 'Bullying,' Says Professor
"We do need BRICS," Oscar van Heerden of the University of Johannesburg told Sputnik Africa. "BRICS is becoming more and more important geostrategically, geopolitically."
🟠 He accused the West, especially the US, of "bullying and coercive politics, not diplomacy," and highlighted several concerns:
▪Dollar weaponization: The US uses the dollar to control other economies, prompting BRICS nations to pursue de-dollarization.
▪Wars over currency: Van Heerden cited Iraq and Libya as examples of countries targeted after challenging dollar dominance.
▪Trade coercion: Tariffs and trade pressure force nations to choose between economic deals and sovereignty.
He praised President Ramaphosa for refusing to be “bullied” or “coerced,” emphasizing that South Africa will not “sell its soul” or submit to such demands.
In the face of a "belligerent partner" like the US, BRICS provides crucial alternative partners, markets, and economies, ensuring South Africa's ability to maintain its independence and pursue its own interests, van Heerden concluded.
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