Pillar Security | PIVOT TO THE MENA: BRICS’ BOLD EXPANSION STRATEGY
Over the last few decades, the MENA region has been at the center of global affairs, while its main local actors have become first-tier players in the international arena. Yet, their increasing relevance has not been adequately reflected within the multilateral institutions tasked with the responsibility to uphold global stability and prosperity. Some of the countries in the region feel that they have earned their right to sit at the tables of global governance, but so far, few opportunities to do so have been provided by the established Western power. This mismatch has pushed MENA countries to look beyond traditional allies, eyeing a closer relationship with the BRICS as the group of emerging powers mirrors a lot of their own grievances. Thus, it is not by chance that most of the protagonists of BRICS first enlargement are countries from the MENA region.
What do MENA countries think that they can get from the BRICS? How likely is this group to achieve institutional reforms of global governance? Is this convergence of interests between BRICS and MENA countries solid enough to last, particularly in the current turbulent geopolitical scenario?
