” BRICS Bloc and Its Impacts on the U.S.A-Russian Trade Conflict”
A Thesis
Submitted to The Council of the College of Administration and Economics / University of Karbala In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economic Sciences
By the Student
Mahdi Alwan Rahima Al-Aqabi
Supervisor By Prof. Dr.Tawfiq Abbas Abd Awn Al-Masoudi
Abstract
The international landscape is undergoing profound transformations in the structure of the global economic system, driven by a convergence of political, economic, and technological factors. Chief among these is the rise of emerging economic blocs—most notably the BRICS group—which has increasingly positioned itself as a counterbalance to traditional Western dominance. This thesis aims to examine the features of the emerging global economic order and analyze the role of rising powers, particularly the BRICS countries, in reshaping global economic power dynamics. It also investigates the impact of contemporary international conflicts—especially the Russia–United States confrontation—on the structure of the global economy.
The study is divided into three main chapters. The first chapter presents the theoretical framework of the new global economic system by tracing its historical evolution, identifying its structural characteristics, and highlighting the emergence of multipolarity and the gradual ascent of emerging economies. The second chapter focuses on economic blocs as instruments for restructuring the global economy, offering a detailed examination of their types and stages of integration. Special attention is given to the BRICS group in terms of its formation, objectives, sources of power, and the challenges it faces in an increasingly volatile global environment.
The third chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the macroeconomic indicators of BRICS countries compared to the U.S. economy for the period 2009–2023. It includes an in-depth examination of Russia’s trade balance and the evolving customs policies between Russia and the United States amid escalating tensions and the growing influence of BRICS as a global economic actor. The findings reveal that trade wars and reciprocal sanctions between major powers have led to structural shifts in global trade patterns and accelerated South–South cooperation, especially through local currency settlements and joint ventures in infrastructure and energy sectors.
The thesis concludes that the global economic system is rapidly moving toward multipolarity. While internal disparities exist among BRICS members, the group offers a vital platform to challenge the existing global financial architecture. There is significant potential for constructing a more balanced and equitable economic order, provided that institutional coordination is strengthened and economic integration among member states is deepened.
