BRICS Dilemma: The Delay of Saudi Arabia's Alliance Entry

• Saudi Arabia Delays Decision on Joining BRICS Bloc
• Saudi Arabia's BRICS Alliance Status Under Consideration
• A Year of Expansion and Uncertainty for BRICS
• Questions surround Saudi Arabia's delayed decision
• Assessing the Benefits: Why Saudi Arabia is Hesitant
• The Role of Saudi Arabia's Ties with the West
• Political Implications of the Delay

Saudi Arabia Delays Decision on Joining BRICS Bloc

In an unexpected development, Saudi Arabia has not yet become an official member of the BRICS economic alliance. Despite receiving an invitation in August 2023, as we entered 2024, it was declared that the country had not accepted the invitation. The reason behind this hesitant response, and the impact on the alliance, is still a question in the global economic circles.

Saudi Arabia's BRICS Alliance Status Under Consideration

Reuters revealed that Saudi Arabia's decision to join the alliance is still under review. This comes despite the official expansion of the BRICS bloc at the beginning of the year. The hesitance of Saudi Arabia, following Argentina's rejection, raises questions on the stability and allure of the alliance.

A Year of Expansion and Uncertainty for BRICS

Last year marked a significant expansion plan for the BRICS alliance, as the bloc extended invitations to Saudi Arabia, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Argentina rejected the offer in the wake of political changes, while Saudi Arabia's status remains undecided.

Questions surround Saudi Arabia's delayed decision

Saudi Arabia's involvement in the alliance's New Development Bank led many to believe its inclusion was inevitable. However, recent statements from Majid Al-Kasabi, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce, have cast doubt on the matter. Reports suggest that geopolitical tensions with the United States might be causing the delay.

Assessing the Benefits: Why Saudi Arabia is Hesitant

While Saudi Arabia continues its consideration process, sources state that the country is carefully evaluating the benefits. The Economy Minister, Faisal Alibrahim, stated that membership in such alliances involves a multi-step process and the decision will be commented on at the end of it.

The Role of Saudi Arabia's Ties with the West

Saudi Arabia's strong connections to the United States could be a significant factor in the delay of their decision to join the alliance. The BRICS bloc has expressed a clear intent to reduce the international influence of the US, which could potentially place Saudi Arabia in a challenging position given their relationship with the US.

Political Implications of the Delay

Hesham Alghannam, Director General of the Security Research Center of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, spoke on the matter. He suggested that political implications are likely the most significant factors in Saudi Arabia's delayed decision, as the Kingdom seeks to maintain equal distance from all major powers without sending signals that could be misinterpreted.

Edited by Jonathan Stoker