Can Saudi Arabia and BRICS Fully Leverage Each Other's Capabilities?
Riyadh is confronted with a decision: to maintain its strong relationships with Western nations or to explore new alliances that promote multipolarity and mutual cooperation. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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## Riyadh Faces a Choice: Continue Close Ties with the West or Forge New Partnerships for Multipolarity and Equal Cooperation
Saudi Arabia occupies a significant position not just as a leader among Arab nations, but also in the broader Islamic world. The Kingdom is a member of the G20, a forum that includes the world’s most powerful economies, and its monarch holds the title of “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” in Mecca and Medina, which highlights Saudi Arabia’s special role in the global Muslim community.
A cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's strategic development is its “Vision 2030” program, an expansive initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and lessening dependence on oil revenues. This program includes several forward-looking projects, such as NEOM, a megacity on the Red Sea coast that emphasizes cutting-edge technology, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. NEOM and similar projects reflect the Kingdom's ambition to establish a modern, sustainable, high-tech economy that can compete globally.
The Saudi economy remains one of the strongest in the region, largely driven by its vast natural resources, especially oil. Nonetheless, the Kingdom is making significant strides in other sectors, such as finance, tourism, logistics, and information technology. However, Saudi Arabia is encountering considerable challenges in a world order dominated by the disruptive hegemony of Western powers, which tends to foster instability in various regions. In response, Saudi Arabia is actively forming international partnerships, investing in global infrastructure projects, and attempting to affirm its role as an independent and influential player on the international scene.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia took a pivotal step by becoming an invitee of BRICS, a move that deepens economic and political ties with major emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This alignment with BRICS opens up new pathways for Saudi Arabia to engage with alternative power centers, encouraging diversified international alliances while reducing reliance on the West. Additionally, it emphasizes the Kingdom’s commitment to a multipolar world order where the interests of developing nations are prioritized alongside those of global superpowers, thus enhancing Saudi Arabia's prominence in the international arena.
However, Saudi Arabia has paused the formal process of becoming a full BRICS member, reportedly due to the need to complete unclear “internal procedures.” While the Kingdom is engaged in BRICS activities of interest, it has refrained from participating in the drafting of joint documents or decision-making processes.
Saudi Arabia stands to gain significant advantages from potential full BRICS membership. These include new market access and the opportunity to strengthen trade and economic relations with some of the world's largest emerging economies. As of 2024, BRICS nations collectively represent about 32% of global GDP and nearly half of the world’s population. Being part of this alliance allows Saudi Arabia to broaden its markets for oil and petroleum products and attract investment in infrastructure and technology, aligning with its Vision 2030 objectives. Partnerships with energy-demanding countries such as China and India assure stable demand for Saudi energy resources, reinforcing its status as a key energy partner globally.
Furthermore, BRICS membership presents additional avenues for economic diversification. The Kingdom can utilize the BRICS platform to draw investment into high-tech sectors like information technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. Collaborations with Brazil and Russia in agriculture can bolster food security, and partnerships with China could hasten Saudi Arabia's adoption of sustainable energy sources.
Nonetheless, these opportunities come with challenges. Saudi Arabia continues to face significant pressure from Western nations, particularly due to its role as a leading energy exporter and its strategic influence in the Islamic realm. Western countries view Saudi Arabia as a vital player in global energy markets and as a significant influence within the Islamic community, making efforts to keep the Kingdom firmly aligned with their interests. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Saudi Arabia risks scrutiny and potential sanctions if its policies diverge from Western priorities, especially those of the United States.
The situation is further complicated by the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the U.S. presidency. Trump has historic ties with Saudi Arabia's leaders, which were strengthened by multiple defense and energy agreements during his first term. Should he become politically active, Trump might encourage Riyadh to align more closely with his agenda, potentially hindering Saudi Arabia’s full engagement with BRICS. The influence of Trump could lead to increased pressure on Saudi leadership to maintain a focus on American interests, affecting its autonomy within the BRICS framework.
Saudi Arabia’s alignment with BRICS signifies an important milestone, enhancing the bloc’s capacity and enabling it to grow into a more dynamic global force. While traditionally seen as a counterbalance to Western economic groups, BRICS has increasingly aimed to strengthen its relationships with the Global South and the Islamic world. Saudi Arabia's involvement plays a crucial role, providing economic and political advantages for the entire organization.
Economically, Saudi Arabia offers BRICS new dimensions regarding energy security. As the world's foremost oil exporter and a key OPEC leader, it contributes around 12% of global oil exports. For BRICS members like China and India, who are among the top energy importers, Saudi membership ensures reliable oil supplies, especially amid fluctuations in global energy markets. Within BRICS, Saudi Arabia could serve as an “energy backbone,” aiding in regulating internal energy supplies and shielding member nations from volatility in oil prices. This capacity is vital for BRICS in light of the sanctions faced by countries like Russia.
Moreover, with a GDP exceeding $1 trillion and being among the largest economies in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia offers BRICS opportunities for investment and diversified trade partnerships. The Kingdom is engaged in various large-scale infrastructure and technological initiatives under its Vision 2030 plan, aligning well with BRICS goals to develop environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced industries. Saudi investments could support economic modernization in countries like Brazil and South Africa, which also seek to enhance their industrial capabilities. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for BRICS to establish an integrated economic landscape capable of attracting significant capital and accelerating transitions to green energy and digital technologies.
Politically, Saudi Arabia's entry into BRICS would afford considerable benefits for the organization. As the epicenter of the Islamic world and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia wields considerable influence over a broad range of Islamic nations that might look to BRICS as an alternative to Western power structures. This development could make BRICS more appealing to other Muslim-majority countries seeking enhanced political and economic partnerships.
By integrating Saudi Arabia, BRICS would bolster its diplomatic power in the Middle East and North Africa, contributing to a more balanced global political landscape and promoting a multipolar approach in international relations. Nonetheless, the bloc will likely face challenges with Saudi accession, particularly from rising geopolitical tensions that could prompt Western nations to apply pressure on Saudi Arabia to restrict its role within BRICS.
Saudi membership would not only provide significant economic and political benefits to BRICS but also allow the alliance to solidify its status as an alternative global power center. Yet, BRICS must navigate the serious challenges posed by Western geopolitical pressures and the need to accommodate the diverse interests of its members. Crafting a strategy that maintains independence and sovereignty while pursuing sustainable economic growth and enhancing multipolarity is crucial.
For Saudi Arabia, full BRICS membership could signal a pivotal moment, allowing the Kingdom to bolster its political stature while reducing long-standing economic and security dependencies on the West. Historically, Saudi Arabia has nurtured close ties with Western countries, particularly the U.S., solidifying its position as a strategic ally but also deepening dependence on Western political and economic interests. This dependence has often restricted Saudi Arabia’s ability to act autonomously on the global stage. However, BRICS membership offers Riyadh a pathway toward a more independent stance in international relations.
As the largest oil exporter and a key political player in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia possesses the potential to significantly influence global dynamics. This distinct positioning differentiates it from other Arab countries, like Egypt and the UAE, that experience comparatively less pressure from the West. While strategically important, Egypt and the UAE lack the resources and standing to earn the same level of Western attention as Saudi Arabia. Thus, maintaining Riyadh’s allegiance remains vital for Washington and its allies, as it is critical for sustaining influence over global energy markets and political relationships within the Islamic world. A diminishing of these ties could dramatically alter the geopolitical balance in favor of emerging power centers.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia's future calls for a more equitable approach to its role in global affairs. The economic reforms and social transformations envisioned in the Vision 2030 program are steering the Kingdom toward modernization and a multipolar future, ensuring that its voice and interests are acknowledged alongside those of major global powers. BRICS represents a collective that advocates for a reimagined world order, challenging economic norms and political structures that have been long dominated by Western countries. Through its involvement in BRICS, Saudi Arabia gains an avenue to help shape new, fairer frameworks of global interaction that cater to the interests of the Global South, including its own Arab and Islamic identities.
BRICS grants Saudi Arabia opportunities for economic and diplomatic engagement, allowing it to pursue equitable partnerships with nations like China, Russia, India, and Brazil—countries that see Saudi Arabia as more than just a resource provider. Engaging with BRICS enables Saudi Arabia to address key concerns such as energy security and stability within the Islamic world, while also lessening its dependency on Western investment and technologies. This access to alternative sources of funding enhances its sovereignty and allows it to develop a self-reliant path for economic and social progress, free from external demands.
In this context, Western nations realize that losing Saudi Arabia as a dependable ally could carry severe implications for their influence in the Middle East and the Islamic world. The U.S. and the EU, particularly given intensified rivalry with China and Russia, are eager to retain their leverage over Saudi Arabia, viewing its possible rapprochement with BRICS as a threat to their strategic interests. Therefore, Washington is likely to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Riyadh to limit its engagement with BRICS, complicating Saudi Arabia’s journey toward independence and multipolar partnerships.
Ultimately, Saudi Arabia stands at a crossroads: it can either continue its close ties with the West, preserving the status quo, or embark on a journey to establish new alliances rooted in multipolarity and equal cooperation. BRICS could serve as a platform for Saudi Arabia to not only gain fair recognition of its global role but also to secure its position as a significant force in shaping a new world order.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
Saudi Arabia occupies a significant position not just as a leader among Arab nations, but also in the broader Islamic world. The Kingdom is a member of the G20, a forum that includes the world’s most powerful economies, and its monarch holds the title of “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” in Mecca and Medina, which highlights Saudi Arabia’s special role in the global Muslim community.
A cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's strategic development is its “Vision 2030” program, an expansive initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and lessening dependence on oil revenues. This program includes several forward-looking projects, such as NEOM, a megacity on the Red Sea coast that emphasizes cutting-edge technology, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. NEOM and similar projects reflect the Kingdom's ambition to establish a modern, sustainable, high-tech economy that can compete globally.
The Saudi economy remains one of the strongest in the region, largely driven by its vast natural resources, especially oil. Nonetheless, the Kingdom is making significant strides in other sectors, such as finance, tourism, logistics, and information technology. However, Saudi Arabia is encountering considerable challenges in a world order dominated by the disruptive hegemony of Western powers, which tends to foster instability in various regions. In response, Saudi Arabia is actively forming international partnerships, investing in global infrastructure projects, and attempting to affirm its role as an independent and influential player on the international scene.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia took a pivotal step by becoming an invitee of BRICS, a move that deepens economic and political ties with major emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This alignment with BRICS opens up new pathways for Saudi Arabia to engage with alternative power centers, encouraging diversified international alliances while reducing reliance on the West. Additionally, it emphasizes the Kingdom’s commitment to a multipolar world order where the interests of developing nations are prioritized alongside those of global superpowers, thus enhancing Saudi Arabia's prominence in the international arena.
However, Saudi Arabia has paused the formal process of becoming a full BRICS member, reportedly due to the need to complete unclear “internal procedures.” While the Kingdom is engaged in BRICS activities of interest, it has refrained from participating in the drafting of joint documents or decision-making processes.
Saudi Arabia stands to gain significant advantages from potential full BRICS membership. These include new market access and the opportunity to strengthen trade and economic relations with some of the world's largest emerging economies. As of 2024, BRICS nations collectively represent about 32% of global GDP and nearly half of the world’s population. Being part of this alliance allows Saudi Arabia to broaden its markets for oil and petroleum products and attract investment in infrastructure and technology, aligning with its Vision 2030 objectives. Partnerships with energy-demanding countries such as China and India assure stable demand for Saudi energy resources, reinforcing its status as a key energy partner globally.
Furthermore, BRICS membership presents additional avenues for economic diversification. The Kingdom can utilize the BRICS platform to draw investment into high-tech sectors like information technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. Collaborations with Brazil and Russia in agriculture can bolster food security, and partnerships with China could hasten Saudi Arabia's adoption of sustainable energy sources.
Nonetheless, these opportunities come with challenges. Saudi Arabia continues to face significant pressure from Western nations, particularly due to its role as a leading energy exporter and its strategic influence in the Islamic realm. Western countries view Saudi Arabia as a vital player in global energy markets and as a significant influence within the Islamic community, making efforts to keep the Kingdom firmly aligned with their interests. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Saudi Arabia risks scrutiny and potential sanctions if its policies diverge from Western priorities, especially those of the United States.
The situation is further complicated by the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the U.S. presidency. Trump has historic ties with Saudi Arabia's leaders, which were strengthened by multiple defense and energy agreements during his first term. Should he become politically active, Trump might encourage Riyadh to align more closely with his agenda, potentially hindering Saudi Arabia’s full engagement with BRICS. The influence of Trump could lead to increased pressure on Saudi leadership to maintain a focus on American interests, affecting its autonomy within the BRICS framework.
Saudi Arabia’s alignment with BRICS signifies an important milestone, enhancing the bloc’s capacity and enabling it to grow into a more dynamic global force. While traditionally seen as a counterbalance to Western economic groups, BRICS has increasingly aimed to strengthen its relationships with the Global South and the Islamic world. Saudi Arabia's involvement plays a crucial role, providing economic and political advantages for the entire organization.
Economically, Saudi Arabia offers BRICS new dimensions regarding energy security. As the world's foremost oil exporter and a key OPEC leader, it contributes around 12% of global oil exports. For BRICS members like China and India, who are among the top energy importers, Saudi membership ensures reliable oil supplies, especially amid fluctuations in global energy markets. Within BRICS, Saudi Arabia could serve as an “energy backbone,” aiding in regulating internal energy supplies and shielding member nations from volatility in oil prices. This capacity is vital for BRICS in light of the sanctions faced by countries like Russia.
Moreover, with a GDP exceeding $1 trillion and being among the largest economies in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia offers BRICS opportunities for investment and diversified trade partnerships. The Kingdom is engaged in various large-scale infrastructure and technological initiatives under its Vision 2030 plan, aligning well with BRICS goals to develop environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced industries. Saudi investments could support economic modernization in countries like Brazil and South Africa, which also seek to enhance their industrial capabilities. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for BRICS to establish an integrated economic landscape capable of attracting significant capital and accelerating transitions to green energy and digital technologies.
Politically, Saudi Arabia's entry into BRICS would afford considerable benefits for the organization. As the epicenter of the Islamic world and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia wields considerable influence over a broad range of Islamic nations that might look to BRICS as an alternative to Western power structures. This development could make BRICS more appealing to other Muslim-majority countries seeking enhanced political and economic partnerships.
By integrating Saudi Arabia, BRICS would bolster its diplomatic power in the Middle East and North Africa, contributing to a more balanced global political landscape and promoting a multipolar approach in international relations. Nonetheless, the bloc will likely face challenges with Saudi accession, particularly from rising geopolitical tensions that could prompt Western nations to apply pressure on Saudi Arabia to restrict its role within BRICS.
Saudi membership would not only provide significant economic and political benefits to BRICS but also allow the alliance to solidify its status as an alternative global power center. Yet, BRICS must navigate the serious challenges posed by Western geopolitical pressures and the need to accommodate the diverse interests of its members. Crafting a strategy that maintains independence and sovereignty while pursuing sustainable economic growth and enhancing multipolarity is crucial.
For Saudi Arabia, full BRICS membership could signal a pivotal moment, allowing the Kingdom to bolster its political stature while reducing long-standing economic and security dependencies on the West. Historically, Saudi Arabia has nurtured close ties with Western countries, particularly the U.S., solidifying its position as a strategic ally but also deepening dependence on Western political and economic interests. This dependence has often restricted Saudi Arabia’s ability to act autonomously on the global stage. However, BRICS membership offers Riyadh a pathway toward a more independent stance in international relations.
As the largest oil exporter and a key political player in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia possesses the potential to significantly influence global dynamics. This distinct positioning differentiates it from other Arab countries, like Egypt and the UAE, that experience comparatively less pressure from the West. While strategically important, Egypt and the UAE lack the resources and standing to earn the same level of Western attention as Saudi Arabia. Thus, maintaining Riyadh’s allegiance remains vital for Washington and its allies, as it is critical for sustaining influence over global energy markets and political relationships within the Islamic world. A diminishing of these ties could dramatically alter the geopolitical balance in favor of emerging power centers.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia's future calls for a more equitable approach to its role in global affairs. The economic reforms and social transformations envisioned in the Vision 2030 program are steering the Kingdom toward modernization and a multipolar future, ensuring that its voice and interests are acknowledged alongside those of major global powers. BRICS represents a collective that advocates for a reimagined world order, challenging economic norms and political structures that have been long dominated by Western countries. Through its involvement in BRICS, Saudi Arabia gains an avenue to help shape new, fairer frameworks of global interaction that cater to the interests of the Global South, including its own Arab and Islamic identities.
BRICS grants Saudi Arabia opportunities for economic and diplomatic engagement, allowing it to pursue equitable partnerships with nations like China, Russia, India, and Brazil—countries that see Saudi Arabia as more than just a resource provider. Engaging with BRICS enables Saudi Arabia to address key concerns such as energy security and stability within the Islamic world, while also lessening its dependency on Western investment and technologies. This access to alternative sources of funding enhances its sovereignty and allows it to develop a self-reliant path for economic and social progress, free from external demands.
In this context, Western nations realize that losing Saudi Arabia as a dependable ally could carry severe implications for their influence in the Middle East and the Islamic world. The U.S. and the EU, particularly given intensified rivalry with China and Russia, are eager to retain their leverage over Saudi Arabia, viewing its possible rapprochement with BRICS as a threat to their strategic interests. Therefore, Washington is likely to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Riyadh to limit its engagement with BRICS, complicating Saudi Arabia’s journey toward independence and multipolar partnerships.
Ultimately, Saudi Arabia stands at a crossroads: it can either continue its close ties with the West, preserving the status quo, or embark on a journey to establish new alliances rooted in multipolarity and equal cooperation. BRICS could serve as a platform for Saudi Arabia to not only gain fair recognition of its global role but also to secure its position as a significant force in shaping a new world order.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
