The potential inclusion of five Middle East countries – Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, UAE, and Bahrain – in the BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is a significant development in the geopolitical landscape of the region. The move comes at a time when the balance of power in global politics is shifting, and emerging economies are seeking to assert their influence.
BRICS, an acronym for the five emerging economies, has been a platform for cooperation and consultation since its inception in 2009. The bloc, which represents nearly 42% of the world’s population and 23% of global GDP, has emerged as a key player in shaping the global economic and political agenda.
China, which initiated the discussions on expansion last year, seeks to build diplomatic influence to counter the dominance of developed countries in the United Nations. The inclusion of five Middle East countries in the bloc would further strengthen China’s geopolitical influence, especially in the Gulf region, which is a key supplier of energy to China.
The move has also been welcomed by the five Middle East countries, which see BRICS as a platform to increase their bargaining power on the global stage. The Middle East region is strategically important for the world economy, given its vast energy resources and geostrategic location. The inclusion of the five countries in BRICS would enable them to diversify their trade ties and reduce their dependence on the West.
However, the potential inclusion of Iran and Saudi Arabia, two regional rivals, in the bloc could lead to a geopolitical realignment in the region. The two countries have been engaged in a proxy war in Yemen and have backed opposing sides in the Syrian conflict. The inclusion of both countries in the same bloc could lead to increased cooperation and reduce tensions in the region.
The potential inclusion of Egypt in the bloc could also have significant implications for the African continent. Egypt is the largest country in North Africa and is strategically located at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The inclusion of Egypt in BRICS would enable the bloc to expand its influence in Africa and tap into the continent’s vast natural resources.
The inclusion of UAE and Bahrain in the bloc would also have significant implications for the Gulf region. Both countries are small but influential players in the region and have been at the forefront of economic diversification efforts. The inclusion of both countries in the bloc would enable them to tap into the vast markets of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and reduce their dependence on oil exports.
The potential inclusion of the five Middle East countries in BRICS also raises questions about the group’s future direction. BRICS was initially formed as an economic alliance, but over the years, it has evolved into a geopolitical grouping. The inclusion of the Middle East countries could further reinforce this trend and lead to increased cooperation on regional and global issues.
The inclusion of the five Middle East countries in BRICS also has implications for the global order. The world is currently dominated by developed countries, which control the major international organizations and dictate global economic and political policies. The inclusion of emerging economies in BRICS challenges this dominance and could lead to a more equitable global order.
However, the inclusion of the five Middle East countries in BRICS could also lead to challenges for the group. The Middle East region is marred by political instability, economic volatility, and geopolitical rivalries. The inclusion of these countries could lead to increased internal tensions within the bloc and hinder its ability to act cohesively on global issues.
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In conclusion, the potential inclusion of five Middle East countries in BRICS is a significant development in the global geopolitical landscape. The move could lead to increased cooperation on regional and global issues, and challenge the dominance of developed countries in the global order. However, it could also pose challenges for the group, given the political and economic volatility in the Middle East region.