BRICS and Middle Eastern countries benefit most by balancing ties with both the U.S. and China—gaining from each without becoming dependent on either. This balanced approach ensures growth, stability, and strategic independence.
In the evolving landscape of global geopolitics, BRICS and Middle Eastern nations find themselves at a crossroads, navigating the complex dynamics between the United States and China. Both superpowers offer distinct advantages: the U.S. provides advanced technological capabilities and security partnerships, while China offers expansive infrastructure investments and a non-interference approach to domestic affairs. For countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the strategic choice isn’t about aligning exclusively with one power but rather about leveraging relationships with both to maximize national interests.
Recent developments underscore this balanced approach. The UAE, for instance, has deepened its ties with the U.S. through significant AI collaborations, including plans to build the largest AI campus outside the U.S. in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with American tech giants like Nvidia and OpenAI. Concurrently, the UAE maintains robust economic relations with China, participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and attracting substantial Chinese investments in infrastructure and technology.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia has expanded its economic engagements with both powers. The kingdom has secured a $142 billion arms deal with the U.S., part of a broader $600 billion investment package that includes energy and technology sectors. At the same time, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its partnership with China, with bilateral trade reaching significant levels and collaborative projects in green technology and infrastructure development.
New York Post
Reuters
This dual-engagement strategy allows BRICS and Middle Eastern countries to diversify their economic partnerships, reduce dependency on a single superpower, and enhance their geopolitical leverage. By maintaining balanced relationships, these nations can access a broader range of technologies, investments, and markets, fostering sustainable economic growth and stability.
Conclusion
In an era marked by great power competition, the most prudent path for BRICS and Middle Eastern countries is to adopt a balanced foreign policy that engages both the United States and China. This approach not only maximizes economic and technological benefits but also preserves strategic autonomy, enabling these nations to navigate the complexities of global politics effectively. By playing both sides judiciously, they can secure a more prosperous and stable future in an increasingly multipolar world.
Nasir Kazeroun
Brics Federation