Is Saudi Arabia's BRICS Membership a Major Threat to US Hegemony?
The potential expansion of the BRICS bloc, particularly with the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, is generating significant discussion about its impact on the existing world order, specifically regarding US hegemony. While some analysts downplay the immediate threat, the long-term implications of Saudi Arabia joining BRICS are complex and warrant careful consideration. Saudi Arabia and the BRICS: A Balancing ActSaudi Arabia's relationship with the BRICS nations is multifaceted. Solicited by the BRICS, but still closely linked to the United States, Riyadh is hesitating, suspending its official membership despite signs of openness. This hesitation highlights the delicate balancing act Saudi Arabia must perform, navigating its economic interests with the BRICS nations and its long-standing security alliance with the United States. Saudi Arabia has a long-standing security reliance on the United States that includes weapons deals, training, and support. The two governments are inching closer to the .
Challenging the Dollar's Dominance: A Long-Term Game? A key concern for the US is the potential challenge to the dollar's dominance as the global reserve currency. According to ING, Saudi Arabia joining the BRICS bloc poses a challenge to the dollar’s domination of global trade, though only in the long term. Beijing Brics members are working towards deepening inter-trade using local currencies instead of the US dollar, including buying and selling energy sources without. This shift, while gradual, could erode the dollar's influence over time, impacting US economic power. The Advantages of Saudi Arabia's Membership for BRICS Counting Saudi Arabia as a member would be advantageous for BRICS, given the kingdom’s relevance as a major oil exporter and its influence in the Middle East. The kingdom's vast oil reserves and geopolitical significance would significantly strengthen the BRICS bloc's economic and political leverage on the global stage. Why the Hesitation? Despite the potential benefits, Saudi Arabia has held off formally joining the BRICS bloc of nations despite attending a meeting in Brazil last week, two sources said, finessing an issue that could upset. This reluctance likely stems from concerns about alienating the United States, its long-time security partner, and potential repercussions for its relationship. The Foregone Conclusion of Expansion? With the highly-anticipated BRICS summit approaching in just a few weeks, expansion seems to be a foregone conclusion. Moreover, as the bloc is set to continue, the question is not if, but how quickly and deeply Saudi Arabia will integrate into the BRICS framework. Conclusion: A Gradual Shift in Global Power Dynamics While Saudi Arabia joining BRICS may not represent an immediate and catastrophic threat to US hegemony, it undeniably contributes to a gradual shift in global power dynamics. The potential for increased trade in local currencies, the strengthening of the BRICS bloc's economic and political influence, and the subtle weakening of the dollar's dominance all point towards a multipolar world order where US influence is no longer unchallenged. The situation requires close monitoring and strategic adaptation from the United States.