Final answer:
In 2010, the BRIC leaders of the founding members decided to join South Africa to the group, making it the BRICS. This move was part of a trend where nations formed regional partnerships like MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance to promote economic goals and international trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2010, the leaders of the BRIC nations, which originally included Brazil, Russia, India, and China, decided to invite South Africa to join the group, thus turning BRIC into BRICS.
This expansion included South Africa as a member to acknowledge not just the growing international influence of the nation but also to enhance the representation of the group within the African continent.
The formation of such groups as BRIC/BRICS, MERCOSUR, and the Pacific Alliance reflects a trend in global economics where regional partnerships are created to foster economic development, social justice, environmental protection, and reduction of poverty.
For example, MERCOSUR was established by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay in 1991 and later included Venezuela and Bolivia as full or associate members, although Venezuela was suspended in 2017.
Additionally, the Pacific Alliance, founded by Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru in 2011, worked towards decreasing tariffs and increasing trade with nations such as those in the European Union and Asia.