Which country quit the BRICS?

Argentina Steps Back from BRICS Membership

In a surprising move, Argentina formally stepped back from joining BRICS, sending a letter to all member countries on 29 December 2023 to officially withdraw its application. This decision came shortly after Javier Milei assumed the presidency, marking a sharp shift in the country's foreign and economic policy direction.

Argentina had expressed interest in joining the bloc earlier in 2023, during the presidency of Alberto Fernández, as part of a broader push by BRICS nations to expand their global influence. The group, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, had extended invitations to several countries amid efforts to reshape international economic alliances. However, Milei’s libertarian platform emphasized deregulation, free markets, and closer ties with Western economies, making BRICS membership increasingly incompatible with his administration’s goals.

While Argentina never formally became a member—only applying during the expansion round—the reversal signals a broader geopolitical recalibration. Milei’s government has since voiced skepticism toward multilateral blocs perceived as challenging Western-led institutions, instead favoring stronger alignment with the United States and Europe.

The departure hasn’t triggered major diplomatic ripples, as BRICS expansion remains dynamic. Other nations are still navigating their applications, and the bloc continues to evolve as a counterweight in global finance and trade. Yet Argentina’s exit from the process underscores how swiftly national priorities can shift with changing leadership.

For now, Buenos Aires appears focused inward, prioritizing economic stabilization over strategic realignment. Whether this marks a long-term retreat from multipolar diplomacy or just a temporary pause remains to be seen.