There is life after US sanctions and protectionist measures…yes, the constant threat of isolationist policies and at the same time pressures coming from arbitrary economic sanctions leave the impression that we are trapped in a spiral without control and accountability from global institutions. If US has taken the decision to cut with international trade and adopt an isolationist focus, is not logical to expect that the rest of the world will follow that rules. Is in this sense that the commitment with WTO and UN prevails from this new focus.

BRICS seems to be the promising network that works as an alternative for a boost of the traditional concept of international trade: open, inclusive within a legal framework and under the supervision of global organizations. They are working hard for it to the point that at the end of 2017 the trade exchange of BRICS was of U$S 102.000 million .

However, there are CONS that need to be explored in order to become more profitable in the medium term. For instance, the own origins of BRICS as an anti-American platform in which left wing ideologies are leading the path. Its paramount to get rid of biased interests and focus on defend a global trade project without ideologies and with a supra national value based on open, inclusive and no protectionist trade and cooperation.

More than “against “America´s policies it’s about “being in pro” innovative strategies that lead the world into joint action and effective leadership. Under no circumstances may be subjected to an ideological struggle but a counterbalance power that boost a new axis of power in which developing countries and balanced international relations are protected.

Chaotic situations generated by US as with Iran sanctions that impacts the rest of the region (Turkey or Iraq on basic needs) represent that “emergencies” that need to be addressed by strong political pillars that delivers stability within a legal framework.

 Other CON is represented by Russia mistaken idea of making partnership with US -as initially has done-, against the European Union. A bureaucratic institution in crisis doesn’t mean that is not able to keep its philosophical focus on globalization based on solidarity and initiatives that build trust within international relations, particularly across Middle East. This is definitely not the strategy for building a healthy exchange. Syria or Crimea is the other side in which Russia is searching power by military action, which in a sense it’s a fair ambition however, not a real catalyzer for a peace global process. Indeed, a conflict region that impacts Europe and the rest of the world with an extraordinary exodus of people demands better strategies and a strong leadership on respecting IHL. Refugee crisis is of a global nature and demands collaboration and strict rules.

BRICS hold strong PROs as they are formed by countries that represent the largest emerging market economies, with the most important quality for applying to a leadership position: innovation. They have been skillful enough to invest on innovation to the point to get out from poverty and boost economies able to compete at global level.

In addition, all of these countries have been able to stay committed to a global project (not necessary a status quo), and to fulfill international agreements that make them reliable partners and solid leaders for carrying on a joint action strategy particularly South-South cooperation.

BRICS hold the capacity to achieve much more than is doing right now if there is perfect coordination and accountability from international organisations guaranteeing transparency and control in each decision –beyond there own economic development-

Is an extraordinary opportunity to do so, as US has lost their capacity of influence others through soft power, and pass to a hard power by isolating themselves from key international organizations as UN Human Rights Council. Instead of exposure a wrong doing from the Council it left room for doubt about the arbitrary reasons that lead US to take this decision.

BRICS is definitely the alternative to US as the latest is entering into a dangerous contradictory road of imposing sanctions and isolate themselves from accountability processes from international organizations without vision and sense of a global context.

Just the philosophy of BRICS for joint action, respect to international organisations and multilateral agreements, is a guarantor of their capacity for becoming a paramount axis of soft power. Not as part of a trade war but of a counterbalance power. Is it very important to keep this political attitude in order to build credibility with the rest of the international community.

There are enough reasons for considered BRICS as a new axis of influence with the capacity to recover the “code” of international trade based on joint action, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness and above all accountable relations within global organisations.