Bangladesh, April 20 -- In a rather underreported development, Russian President Vladimir Putins call for North Korea and BRICS nations—China, India, Brazil, and South Africa—to join Ukraine ceasefire talks suggests a significant reimagining of global conflict resolution. Coupled with Belaruss recent proposal to host a BRICS parliamentary security summit, these developments underscore the rising influence of the BRICS bloc as an alternative mechanism. Far from being a mere economic alliance, BRICS could be emerging as a platform for fostering a polycentric world.

Putins proposal, articulated in Murmansk in March 2025, reflects a growing frustration with Western-led negotiations, which he has described as inconsistent and dece...