Dr. Adli Kandah

The BRICS group is one of the most prominent emerging economic and political blocs on the global stage, especially following the announcement of expanding its membership to include countries from the Middle East and North Africa, such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Iran, although Saudi Arabia has not yet officially joined. This expansion raises important questions about its impact on the region, the underlying motivations, and the expected economic and geopolitical consequences. The BRICS group was founded in 2006 as a global economic alliance initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China under the name BRIC.

In 2010, South Africa joined, leading to the current name BRICS. This group focuses on strengthening economic and political cooperation among emerging economies and seeks to offer an alternative to the global financial system dominated by Western countries and traditional financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

One of the key declared objectives of BRICS is to achieve sustainable economic growth through inter-cooperation in trade and investment. It also aims to reform the global financial system to better reflect the interests of developing countries. Additionally, the group works to promote sustainable development through the creation of financial institutions such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement to support member economies during crises.

The countries of the Middle East and North Africa are witnessing significant changes in their economic and political relations and are seeking to join BRICS for several strategic and economic reasons: First, the search for a new geopolitical balance: For years, the region's countries have relied heavily on economic and political relations with the West, particularly the United States and the European Union. However, with global shifts, these countries are looking to build new alliances that enhance their independence and reduce their reliance on the West, making BRICS membership a strategic step toward achieving greater balance in international relations.

Second, diversifying economic partnerships: China and Russia are key players in BRICS, and both have significant economic interests in the Middle East, particularly in energy and infrastructure sectors.

By joining BRICS, countries in the region hope to attract significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy projects, contributing to sustainable development.

Third, strengthening cooperation among developing countries: BRICS represents an ideal platform for promoting cooperation between developing countries. The inclusion of Middle Eastern and North African countries in this bloc offers an opportunity to build economic partnerships with other emerging economies, contributing to more independent and balanced economic growth. Fourth, benefiting from BRICS financial tools: BRICS has established strong financial institutions such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, which provide alternative funding sources to traditional financial institutions.

These financial tools could be of great importance to the region in enhancing economic stability and avoiding external financial pressures. Despite the expected advantages, joining BRICS by Middle Eastern and North African countries may face several challenges: First, economic and political diversity among BRICS members: The economic and political systems within BRICS vary greatly. While China and Russia tend to have centralized decision-making, other countries like India and Brazil rely on democracy.

This diversity could make it difficult to reach consensus on vital issues, particularly in areas of foreign trade and financial governance.

Second, geopolitical tensions: The Middle East and North Africa is one of the most geopolitically tense regions, with many powers competing for regional influence and ongoing armed conflicts. The inclusion of countries from the region in BRICS could increase these tensions, especially if the geopolitical interests of BRICS members like China and Russia conflict with those of other regional powers.

Third, Western pressure: Joining BRICS could provoke strong reactions from the West, particularly from the United States and the European Union, which may view this alliance as a threat to their influence.

These countries could face economic or political pressures, including reduced aid or the imposition of economic sanctions. The inclusion of Middle Eastern and North African countries in BRICS could have far-reaching implications on both regional and international levels: First, diversification of economic relations: Membership in BRICS allows these countries to benefit from investment flows from group members, particularly in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, helping reduce reliance on Western economies.

Second, shifts in the global financial system: BRICS is actively working to develop a new financial system that reduces reliance on the US dollar as the global reserve currency. If successful, the world could witness a significant shift in economic power balance, directly affecting the region's countries that rely on the dollar for their foreign trade.

Third, enhancing international political influence: Joining BRICS could help elevate the international status of Middle Eastern and North African countries, granting them a larger role in shaping global policies, particularly in areas such as sustainable development and climate change. The inclusion of Middle Eastern and North African countries in BRICS is a significant step that opens up numerous economic and political opportunities. However, these opportunities come with challenges that require a careful balance between the economic and geopolitical interests of these countries.