21h00 ▪
4
min read ▪ by
The BRICS have been presenting themselves for several years as a credible alternative to hegemonic economic blocs such as the G7. In this context of increasing rivalries among powers, Russia has undertaken steps to expand this alliance. It then invited Saudi Arabia and Turkey to join its ranks. Moscow hoped to strengthen the bloc’s influence on the international stage and face the pressures from Western economies. However, these efforts encountered a brick wall. This setback illustrates the divergent interests among these nations, as well as the challenges the BRICS face in expanding their sphere of influence in a world where geopolitical balances are becoming increasingly complex.
Diplomatic efforts without success : Russia faces rejection
To increase the influence of BRICS on the international stage, Russia has tried to convince Saudi Arabia and Turkey, two major geopolitical players, to join this economic alliance. This initiative aimed to strengthen the bloc’s strategic weight against Western powers. According to diplomatic sources, Moscow highlighted considerable advantages, including enhanced opportunities for cooperation in the fields of trade and energy. Despite these promises, the Russian démarches resulted in a rejection from both countries.
On one hand, Saudi Arabia, although it maintains close economic ties with influential BRICS members like China, deemed it risky to become more engaged in an alliance that could jeopardize its strategic relations with the West, particularly the United States. On the other hand, Turkey, a key NATO member, opted for a more cautious approach. Concerned about preserving its freedom of action on the international stage, it preferred to maintain loose alliances rather than integrate into a structure perceived as too rigid. This double rejection further clarifies the obstacles Moscow faces in its attempt to expand the influence of the BRICS, notably against the divergent priorities of its potential partners.
A revealing failure of broader strategic issues
The failure of Russia to convince Saudi Arabia and Turkey reveals profound gaps in its diplomatic strategy. While Moscow attempts to reshape the world order in its favor, the approached countries manage to maintain their strategic independence. Saudi Arabia, which maintains and consolidates its economic relations with China, continues to value its historical ties with the United States. Such a move demonstrates its concern for balance between two competing blocs. On its part, Turkey, due to its NATO membership and regional ambitions, prefers to keep an autonomous posture, focusing on bilateral partnerships rather than on integration into institutionalized alliances.
This setback for Russia could, however, merely be a setback in a strategy aimed at expanding the BRICS circle. Moreover, some observers suggest that the alliance could intensify its efforts to include other strategically important nations, particularly in Africa or Latin America. Furthermore, this episode raises questions about the viability of a truly coherent bloc. The diversity of national priorities within the BRICS, coupled with the often conflicting interests of potential partners, calls into question the group’s ability to project a unified influence on the international stage.
The competition between economic blocs continues to redefine the world order, fueled by strategic opportunities and increasing rivalries. In this context, the BRICS find themselves at a critical juncture: their ability to attract new members and harmonize sometimes divergent interests will determine their future role on the international stage. This dynamic triggers particular attention from observers, who see in the expansion of the BRICS a key issue for the upcoming geopolitical balance.
Maximize your Cointribune experience with our “Read to Earn” program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.
Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d’une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j’ai rejoint l’aventure Cointribune en 2019.
Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l’économie, j’ai pris l’engagement de sensibiliser et d’informer le grand public sur cet écosystème en constante évolution. Mon objectif est de permettre à chacun de mieux comprendre la blockchain et de saisir les opportunités qu’elle offre. Je m’efforce chaque jour de fournir une analyse objective de l’actualité, de décrypter les tendances du marché, de relayer les dernières innovations technologiques et de mettre en perspective les enjeux économiques et sociétaux de cette révolution en marche.
DISCLAIMER
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.
