Saudi Arabia becomes the newest member of BRICS

Marking a significant shift in global economic alliances, Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed its entry into the BRICS alliance. This move by Saudi, along with four other nations, reshapes the geopolitical landscape and challenges the traditional world order. The inclusion of Saudi Arabia, a nation traditionally aligned with Western interests, particularly the United States, into BRICS, indicates a strategic pivot towards a more multipolar world order.

A Geopolitical Chess Move

The decision of Saudi Arabia to join BRICS, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, comes after an invitation extended in 2023. This move signifies a major shift in international relations, considering Saudi’s longstanding ties with Western powers. The inclusion into BRICS, an alliance originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a diversification of Saudi’s diplomatic and economic partnerships.

For a while, there was speculation about Saudi’s commitment to joining BRICS. In early 2024, doubts surfaced about their intention, with the nation expressing reservations about the geopolitical implications of such a move. However, these concerns were put to rest when South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor announced that Saudi had indeed accepted the invitation.

Saudi Arabia’s entry into BRICS comes at a time when the alliance is broadening its global influence. Originally formed as an economic bloc to challenge the dominance of Western economies, BRICS has evolved into a platform for cooperation on various issues, ranging from trade to technology. Saudi’s inclusion, therefore, is not just a mere addition of a new member but a strategic alignment with significant implications for global economic dynamics.

Shifting Sands in Global Economics

Saudi Arabia’s economic maneuvers also reflect its new alliance. The kingdom recently made headlines with its decision to reconsider its oil expansion plans. Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, abandoned a plan to increase the kingdom’s oil production capacity, signaling a potential shift in its economic strategy. This move, aligning with a broader trend of reduced investment in oil production due to climate change concerns and fluctuating demand, hints at Saudi’s readiness to diversify its economy, possibly in line with BRICS’ objectives.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s plans for a follow-on share offering in Saudi Aramco, aiming to raise significant capital, could be indicative of its broader economic realignment. This decision, along with the halting of its oil expansion plan, marks a significant pivot in Saudi’s economic policy – one that might align more closely with the BRICS nations’ focus on de-dollarization and economic diversification.

In essence, Saudi Arabia’s entry into the BRICS alliance is a game-changer in international relations. It represents not just a shift in diplomatic alliances but also signals potential changes in global economic policies. As Saudi integrates itself into the BRICS framework, the world watches closely to see how this will reshape the existing global order. This move by Saudi, bold and unexpected, underscores the fluid nature of international politics and the continuous evolution of global economic alliances.