In an extended Moscow street interview with Alex Christoforou from The Duran, Think BRICS explored one of the defining geopolitical developments of the modern era: the rise of a multipolar world and the expansion of BRICS influence.
By elocal International Desk
Source: Think BRICS interview with Alex Christoforou, 25 May 2026
The conversation covered China-Russia relations, de-dollarization, energy security, military strategy, sanctions and the changing balance of global power.
Christoforou's central argument throughout the discussion was that geopolitical events are accelerating structural changes already underway.
"Everything that is happening in the world, especially with the United States, with all of the wars and conflicts and sanctions, are accelerating the process."
Chapter 1: Is Pressure Strengthening BRICS Rather Than Breaking It?
One of the opening themes examined whether pressure from Washington and sanctions campaigns have weakened BRICS or pushed members closer together.
Christoforou argued that external pressure is accelerating cooperation among the core members.
"I always see China and Russia. That's like the core BRICS."
The discussion highlighted that BRICS members often pursue different national interests, but Christoforou argued that the overall direction remains unchanged.
"They're all committed to BRICS."
Chapter 2: China and Russia Move Closer
The interview repeatedly returned to the growing alignment between Moscow and Beijing.
According to Christoforou, recent events involving sanctions, energy markets and geopolitical conflict have accelerated strategic cooperation.
"China and Russia's interests seem to be more aligned and in sync."
He argued that geopolitical pressure has shifted long-term planning into practical implementation.
Chapter 3: Energy Security Becomes Strategic Security
Energy became one of the major themes of the discussion.
The Power of Siberia pipeline and overland energy routes were presented as increasingly important strategic infrastructure.
Christoforou argued:
"Russia now serves as the ultimate hedge against US blockading Middle East oil and gas."
He argued that China is moving toward supply routes that reduce dependence on vulnerable maritime channels.
"If we really want to safeguard our energy security, we have to go over land."
Chapter 4: Beijing Becomes a Diplomatic Center
The interview also focused on the growing number of world leaders visiting China.
Christoforou argued that Beijing has increasingly become a central meeting point for global diplomacy.
"Look at Xi Jinping just staying there in Beijing and everyone is coming to see him."
The discussion pointed to repeated meetings between China and Russia and major agreements signed during recent summits.
"They also basically announced the beginning of the multipolar world."
Chapter 5: Trust Versus Transactions
Another major theme was diplomacy itself.
Christoforou contrasted relationship-building between nations with short-term transactional approaches.
"If you want to do business deals, the business comes after you create trust between the two countries."
He argued that repeated meetings and long-term engagement create the conditions for large economic agreements.
"Trust takes time."
Chapter 6: Europe and Military Spending
The discussion later turned toward Europe and military expenditure.
Christoforou argued that governments are redirecting public resources toward defense spending.
"You need to decrease spending on social services, education, healthcare and pensions and allocate it to military and weapons."
He questioned whether Europeans are being given clear explanations for these shifts.
"What's the threat? Tell us."
Chapter 7: Ukraine, Iran and Major Miscalculations
Toward the conclusion, Christoforou argued that major assumptions surrounding Ukraine and Iran have been wrong.
"Iran was a huge miscalculation."
He also argued that repeated narratives surrounding military developments continue arriving at the same conclusion.
"More money, more weapons."
Christoforou argued that conflicts increasingly become self-reinforcing systems where continued escalation becomes the preferred outcome.
Summary
The Moscow walk with Alex Christoforou focused on a world undergoing structural change.
The interview argued that power is shifting through energy routes, trade systems, diplomatic relationships and alternative financial structures.
According to Christoforou, sanctions, conflict and geopolitical pressure are accelerating changes that were already underway.
"We've had 40 meetings, we've planned everything, but now we have to start taking real steps."
Video Chapters
00:00 Alex Christoforou: Moscow Street Interview on the Multipolar World
01:12 Is Trump's Pressure Fracturing BRICS or Accelerating De-dollarization?
02:12 The China-Russia Alliance: Understanding the Core of BRICS 2026
03:22 Why the Iran Conflict is Sinking Global Energy Interests
04:02 India's Balancing Act: Is New Delhi Diluting BRICS Cohesion?
06:55 The RELOS Agreement: Why Western Media Bias Ignores This Russia-India Deal
08:40 Trump and BRICS: Does the US Really Think the Block is Irrelevant?
10:14 Western Narrative Control: Why Policy Makers Miscalculate BRICS
11:45 China: The New Center of Gravity for Global Crisis Diplomacy
13:55 Defining the Multipolar World: Putin and Xi's Routine Sovereignty
14:35 Power of Siberia & The Russia Energy Hedge: Shuttling Europe Out
16:21 The Secure Route: How China Safeguards Energy Security via Russia
19:40 Trust vs. Transactions: Why Trump's Business Diplomacy Fails in China
22:50 Highest Level of Trust: Putin's Confidence vs. US Lack of Diplomacy
24:48 US Troop Repositioning: Strategic Signaling or 2030 Front Line Prep?
26:50 The Great Grift: Why European Budgets Shift from Social to Military
28:50 Southern Europe's Mood: Why the Public is Done with Escalation
30:30 Huge Miscalculations: Alex Christoforou on Ukraine and Iran Wars
32:50 The End of MAGA? Tulsi's Resignation and the Neocon White House