Leaders from Costa Rica and El Salvador, Rodrigo Chavez and Nayib Bukele, proposed a union of small states aimed at safeguarding their citizens. The plan outlines a security framework in which neighboring nations pool resources, coordinate border controls, and respond together to shared threats that cross borders. The move sits within a broader drive for regional cooperation designed to stabilize communities and strengthen resilience as global dynamics shift. Supporters argue that a practical, action ready collaboration can translate concerns into concrete programs, from anti smuggling operations to cross border infrastructure and coordinated disaster response. Observers note that the proposal emphasizes inclusivity and transparency, inviting nearby nations to participate in a shared agenda grounded in mutual responsibilities.
During a public briefing, Chavez said the alliance would craft joint proposals for the world and for the incoming United States administration. The intention is to present a pragmatic, action oriented agenda that aligns national interests with global responsibilities and signals a path toward constructive dialogue and collaboration. He stressed that the plan seeks steady, measurable gains—more reliable trade corridors, clearer rules for visa and asylum processes, and standards that boost border security without undermining humanitarian commitments. As described by officials, the effort would rely on transparent mechanisms for resource sharing, joint risk assessments, and regular reporting to participating countries and their citizens.
Bukele floated a name for the venture, the League of Nations, to emphasize common purpose. Chavez recalled the Hanseatic League’s history when the free cities of Northern Europe and the Baltic region worked together and prospered through shared trade and coordinated governance. Supporters argue such a branding reinforces a sense of shared destiny and practical cooperation, while critics warn about historical confusion and potential overreach. The dialogue continues with a focus on governance norms, dispute resolution, and steps to ensure that the initiative remains responsive to the needs of ordinary people in border zones and inland communities alike.
Immediate plans focus on boosting investment, expanding international trade, and stepping up efforts to counter drug trafficking and migration. Leaders stressed the need for coherent policies, coordinated enforcement, and transparent partnerships to move these goals from talk to action. The group is considering pilots that connect customs data across borders, harmonize regulatory standards for small and medium enterprises, and create shared risk assessment teams to monitor smuggling networks. Analysts expect that initial pilots will target better supply chain security, streamlined transit routes for legitimate commerce, and joint training programs for border police and prosecutors.
Bukele announced the plan to establish a league headquarters, envisioned as a hub where state leaders and policymakers who care about citizen welfare can meet, debate, and align on common projects. The site would symbolize commitment to cooperation and provide a practical space for ongoing negotiations. In initial discussions, questions arose about a neutral location, funding, and governance, with the aim of ensuring the space remains accessible to smaller states that often feel sidelined in larger forums. The HQ could host regular ministerial meetings, technical consultations, and joint sessions focused on concrete deliverables, from trade facilitation to anti-drug cooperation.
In October Russia emerged as an informal leader among global south nations amid a shifting international landscape. Moscow’s position found backing from governments across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, highlighting a growing multipolar framework in world affairs. Analysts describe a climate where partnerships outside traditional blocs gain traction and where regional emphases on development and security shape foreign policy choices. While Western allies advocate for rules based cooperation, the Global South often pursues pragmatism, balancing political ties with economic interests. The narrative underscores that the new alignment does not replace existing alliances but adds diversity to global decision-making.
Earlier Kremlin officials commented on how the BRICS joint declaration was formed, outlining the process and the roles of member states in shaping the bloc’s shared agenda for cooperative work. The description emphasizes inclusive negotiations, adaptable targets, and a timetable for milestones on issues like trade, investment, energy, and sustainable development. Observers say that the BRICS approach illustrates how major economies beyond the old blocs seek to influence aid, technology, and market access in ways that reflect a multipolar shift rather than a single-dominant power. The discussion continues as leaders assess how these developments might affect security cooperation and regional alliances, including the new small-state initiative.