Saudi Arabia’s Ambiguous Stance On BRICS : What’s At Stake ?

In a changing world where alliances redefine global balances, Saudi Arabia’s attitude towards the BRICS is intriguing. Invited to join this strategic group of emerging powers, the kingdom opts for a wait-and-see strategy. This choice is not trivial. It reflects deep stakes that combine geopolitics, economy, and regional rivalries, at a time when the BRICS are seeking to expand and increase their influence.

A suspended response, the BRICS under pressure

At the Kazan summit last October, an important fact caught attention: Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, was absent. An absence that illustrates the kingdom’s ambiguous posture for more than a year, despite an official invitation from the BRICS to join their group in 2023. Only the Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, made a discreet appearance at the end of the summit. He also stated that “Saudi Arabia is committed to strengthening its partnership with the BRICS, without confirming membership.” This statement summarizes Saudi caution regarding a commitment perceived as strategic, but also risky.

Such hesitation has sowed confusion within the group, affecting its image as a united bloc. The Saudi position has even created contradictions in official communications. In January 2024, announcements from BRICS members included the kingdom before Riyadh removed any mention of its membership from its state media. Observers point to the implications of such indecision on the credibility of the BRICS, who struggle to establish clear rules for their future expansions.

A calculated strategy, crucial geopolitical stakes

This Saudi approach is not merely an act of caution but an elaborate strategy. As the BRICS attract numerous countries looking to diversify their alliances, Saudi Arabia assesses the costs of such alignment. The inclusion of Iran, Riyadh’s historic rival, in the group constitutes a major obstacle. Furthermore, BRICS statements aimed at reducing the dominance of the US dollar endanger Saudi-American economic and security relations.

Meanwhile, China, the kingdom’s primary trading partner, exerts increasing influence. Vision 2030, the Saudi economic plan, largely relies on this partnership to diversify the national economy. However, strengthening ties with Beijing or Moscow risks undermining the strategic agreement currently being negotiated with Washington, essential for Saudi defense. Thus, this complex equation pushes Riyadh to maintain an ambiguous posture, first observing global developments before fully committing.

This Saudi hesitation sheds further light on the challenges of the BRICS in a multipolar world. While Riyadh plays the card of “multi-alignment”, its approach might inspire other countries seeking strategic flexibility. Nevertheless, this strategy carries risks, including a loss of credibility for the BRICS and a potential weakening of Saudi influence if its key partners grow weary of these balancing acts. The future of the bloc and its members will depend on their ability to overcome these tensions and provide concrete solutions to global challenges.