Rethinking Europe’s Role in a Civilisational World: Geocultural Dialogue in the Age of BRICS+
Rethinking Europe’s Role in a Civilisational World: Geocultural Dialogue in the Age of BRICS+

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the evolving geocultural dynamics between Europe and the emerging BRICS+ alliance, focusing on the rise of civilisational internationalism as a framework for global engagement. Against the backdrop of shifting United States foreign policies and domestic conservative movements, the authors analyse how traditional notions of the West are being redefined, while the BRICS+ coalition advances an alternative vision of international cooperation rooted in civilisational dialogue. Drawing on theoretical insights from Wallerstein and Hannerz, geocultural imaginaries are explored and how they intersect with geopolitical and geoeconomic realities, shaping new forms of cultural diplomacy and international relations. The study highlights the BRICS+ alliance’s expansion beyond economic cooperation to include cultural exchanges and so-called “dialogue of civilisations” initiatives, presenting both opportunities and challenges for European engagement. The authors argue that this civilisational internationalism, while offering a platform for South–South cooperation and addressing historical power imbalances, also complicates Europe’s cultural relations strategy. The paper concludes by examining the varied responses of Eastern and Central European countries to these dynamics, revealing the complex interplay between regional identities, historical legacies, and emerging global narratives in shaping future international cultural engagements.

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