BRICS+ as a game changer in constructing global digital trade rules: a counter balance to Western tech dominance?

The expansion of BRICS to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE (BRICS+) signifies a major shift in global digital governance and trade structures. As digital economies become central to global commerce, BRICS+ nations are seeking to redefine international digital trade norms by leveraging their collective economic influence, technological advancements, and alternative governance frameworks. Global digital trade is largely dictated by Western regulatory frameworks, particularly those established by institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Union (EU), and the United States (US) through agreements like the US-EU Digital Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These agreements emphasize data liberalization, cross-border digital services, and intellectual property rights, often aligning with the interests of Western multinational technology corporations. In contrast, BRICS+ nations have diverse approaches to digital governance, emphasizing state-led digital sovereignty, data localization policies, and alternative fintech ecosystems. This study explores how BRICS+ nations are positioned to challenge Western-dominated digital trade systems and whether they can establish a multipolar digital order that promotes digital sovereignty, equitable growth, and technological inclusivity.