For 2023, the BRICS bloc had made headlines with six invitations it sent to countries, offering them the opportunity to join the economic alliance. Subsequently, many reports have signaled that yet another expansion effort is in the works for this year. With that being said, we explore the BRICS alliance, and what countries could be included in its next expansion.

During its 2023 summit, the BRICS invited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, Egypt, Argentina, and Ethiopia to join. At the start of the new year, Argentina was the only country to issue a rejection of the invitation. As we await the 2024 summit, a host of countries have already been vocal about their desire to join the bloc.

Also Read: 3 Countries Agree To Launch BRICS Currency To Challenge US Dollar

Which Countries Could Join BRICS in 2024?

For much of the last year, the growth of the BRICS alliance was a major talking point. the most important geopolitical event of the year, the alliance grew from five members to ten. Subsequently, they are expected to continue that growth effort. Just a few months ago, India confirmed that the alliance has already agreed to another six-nation expansion plan.

Amid that BRICS plan, the greater question now becomes what countries could be included in its next expansion? A host of nations have been vocal about seeking entry. Moreover, even more countries have expressed their alignment with the greater BRICS missions. So, which of them could receive an invitation to the upcoming 2024 annual summit?

Also Read: These 25 Countries Are Ready To Join BRICS in 2024

When it comes to deciphering what those countries could be, they can be separated into two different classes, according to reports. First, there are the countries that have already applied for membership. Then, there are the nations that have spoken of their interest in being included in the bloc’s expansion plan.

The nations that have already applied for membership include:

• Algeria
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Bolivia
• Cuba
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait
• Palestine
• Senegal

Alternatively, the nations who have expressed interest in joining the bloc are:

• Afghanistan
• Angola
• Comoros
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Gabon
• Guidea-Bissaud
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Uganda
• Uruguay
• Zimbabwe

Of these nations, many provide benefits to the alliance’s mission. Although many could be included, the bloc will likely stick to its plan of inviting another six nations. By the end of 2024, the alliance will likely be far more than just ten countries.

An unusual letter sent to federal court on Jan. 10 suggested an alternative sentence for FTX’s founder and former CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried.

The letter’s author, Mary McKee of Minnetonka, Minnesota, stated that she has no relationship to Bankman-Fried. She continued:

“Mr. Bankman-Fried certainly seems to be autistic and [it] doesn’t seem like a prison sentence would be of [any] benefit to anyone … It isn’t like he set out to commit fraud like Bernie Madoff, and the people who lost money with him are on the edge of legal laws [sic] themselves.”

McKee went on to note that “someone who commits murder gets a lesser sentence” than the prison term that Bankman-Fried may face.

Though murder can result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, a 2021 bulletin from the U.S. Department of Justice indicates that the median prison sentence for murder is 17.5 years before release. By contrast, Bankman-Fried faces up to 110 years, and possibly as little as 30 years, in prison.

Could SBF get community service?

McKee also suggested that Bankman-Fried receive an alternative sentence:

“Instead of a prison sentence, can [Bankman-Fried] be directed to teaching a high school math course? Putting his talent to positive use?”

Due to the severity of Bankman-Fried’s convictions — which include five counts of conspiracy and two counts of wire fraud — it seems unlikely that his sentence could be entirely replaced by community service.

However, a reduced sentence may be possible. The financier Michael Milken, sentenced to 10 years in prison for securities fraud in the 1990s, ultimately served just 22 months before entering community service. As part of that service, he participated in a school anti-drug program called D.A.R.E.

Bankman-Fried will be sentenced on March 28. It is unclear whether McKee’s letter is included in the docket for reasons related to the defense’s expected arguments for a lenient sentence, but its inclusion is notable.

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