BRICS: is Saudi Arabia playing a double game?

In a changing world where alliances are redefining global balances, Saudi Arabia's attitude towards the BRICS is intriguing. Invited to join this strategic group which brings together emerging powers, the kingdom opts for a waiting strategy. This choice is not trivial. It reflects deep issues that combine geopolitics, economics and regional rivalries, as the BRICS seek to expand and increase their influence.

A suspended response, BRICS under pressure

At the Kazan summit last October, an important fact attracted attention: Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, was absent. An absence which illustrates the ambiguous posture of the kingdom for more than a year, despite an official invitation from the BRICS to join their group in 2023. Only the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Faisal ben Farhan, made a discreet appearance at the end of the summit . He also declared that “Saudi Arabia is committed to strengthening its partnership with the BRICS, without confirming membership”. This statement sums up Saudi caution in the face of an engagement perceived as strategic, but also risky.

Such hesitation caused confusion within the group, which affected its image as a united bloc. The Saudi position has even created contradictions in official communications. In January 2024, announcements of BRICS membership included the kingdom, before Riyadh removed all mention of its membership in its state media. Observers point out the implications of such indecision on the credibility of the BRICS, which are struggling to establish clear rules for their future enlargements.

A calculated strategy, capital geopolitical issues

This Saudi approach is not simply an act of caution, but an elaborate strategy. While BRICS attracts many countries that want to diversify their alliances, Saudi Arabia is weighing the costs of such alignment. The inclusion of Iran, Riyadh's historic rival, in the group constitutes a major obstacle. Additionally, BRICS statements that aim to reduce the dominance of the US dollar endanger Saudi-US economic and security relations.

At the same time, China, the kingdom's largest trading partner, exercises growing influence. Vision 2030, the Saudi economic plan relies largely on this partnership to diversify the national economy. However, strengthening ties with Beijing or Moscow risks weakening the strategic agreement currently being negotiated with Washington, essential for Saudi defense. Thus, this complex equation pushes Riyadh to maintain an ambiguous posture, which first observes global developments before fully committing.

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