Argentina formalised its application for membership in 2022 as part of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) (source). In August 2023, during the XV edition of the BRICS held in Johannesburg, South Africa, it was announced that Argentina, among others, will be able to join from 1 January 2024 (source). However, the upcoming presidential elections in October 2023 may complicate membership. This is because the two main opposition parties, with serious chances of winning, oppose joining the group.
Key judgement 1. Argentina will highly likely join the BRICS if the current Peronist government wins the next elections.
Key judgement 2. It is likely that Argentina will not join the BRICS if any of the two main opposition parties win the elections.
Key judgement 3. It is almost certain that a government headed by Javier Milei will not only refuse to join the BRICS but will choose to move closer to the West, especially the United States.
