As David (aka the G7) takes on the muscles and impressive beard of Goliath (the BRICS who have just met in Russia), the gods of Olympus decide to intervene in this epic and highly strategic battle.

In the image of the first point of the latest BRICS Declaration, Zeus, the great patron of the gods, is emerging as the standard-bearer of robust multilateralism. From the summit of Olympus, he thunders a reminder that he has had enough of these shaky and unbalanced international institutions, such as the IMF and the World Bank, which favour the ‘golden mortals’ of the G7 a little too much. With his ready-made lightning bolts, he demands fair and equitable reform: ‘It's time to respect ALL mortals, even those who don't have a GDP worthy of Olympian gold!

Athena, always wise and strategic, looks with interest at the second part of the Declaration: the promotion of peace and conflict resolution. Between the Ukraine, the Middle East and other battlefields, she benevolently reminds us that it might be time to put a stop to the arrows and javelins. 

Hades, ruler of the underworld and critic of sanctions, who has never been very popular in the affairs of Olympus (or mortals), nevertheless takes a moment to join in the debate. Seeing the unilateral sanctions imposed on certain countries as so many stones thrown at wandering souls, he snaps: ‘Who are these Davids who think they can impose their rules on everyone?’

With a dark laugh, he points the finger at economic sanctions and declares them ‘illegal coercive measures’ whose only effect is to fill the infernal rivers with the spectres of devastated economies. For him, it's simple: ‘Let them throw their sanctions into the Styx and learn to cooperate. Otherwise, they'll be joining the shadows sooner than they think!

Hermes, the god of winged sandals and master of commerce, was quick to propose a modern, Olympian solution: *BRICS Clear*. ‘Imagine, mortals, a divine financial infrastructure, free of all US influence! 

When she hears about the Russian idea of creating a BRICS grain exchange, Demeter, protector of the harvest, can only smile. ‘At last, an initiative that recognises the importance of feeding people! She suggests blessing this exchange with her fertile breath to ensure abundant harvests and prosperous trade.

Faced with this power play between David (G7) and Goliath (BRICS), the gods and goddesses understand that it's all based on an old trick: divide and conquer. But for Aphrodite, the goddess of love and diplomacy, it's time for a change of strategy. 

‘What if, instead of seeking to divide, we finally sought to unite?
After all, a pitched battle between the G7 and the BRICS would simply crush mortals between two titanic giants. But an alliance, however imperfect, could be as beautiful and powerful as the golden crown of Aphrodite herself.

So will David and Goliath hear the call of the goddess of love, or will they remain mired in their strategies of division and opposition?

Can you hear her call?