The Curious Case Of The Disappearing BRICS Members

The article delves into the details surrounding these countries' invitations to join the BRICS core group and their subsequent actions, which have led to confusion about the perceived membership count

The BRICS group has garnered significant attention in recent years as it seeks to expand its membership and influence on the global stage. However, the journey toward a larger BRICS membership has revealed curious twists, particularly in the cases of Argentina and Saudi Arabia. This article focuses into the details surrounding these countries' invitations to join the BRICS core group and their subsequent actions, which have led to confusion about the perceived membership count.

Argentina was invited to join BRICS as a full member during the BRICS Summit in August 2023. This invitation was seen as a significant opportunity for Argentina to enhance its international standing and foster economic cooperation with other emerging markets. However, in early 2023, Argentina's government announced its decision to not accept the BRICS membership. As a result, Argentina's withdrawal reduced the potential member count from eleven to ten, as it was perceived to be a core member within BRICS for a while. For more context on Argentinas decision read my prior articles:

As Argentina’s Milei Closes A Door On BRICS Another Opens

Milei's Tactical Reversal On China Shows A Newfound Pragmatism

Saudi Arabia also received an invitation to join BRICS during the Summit in August 2023, alongside other nations as mentioned before. This invitation was part of BRICS' strategy to diversify its membership and strengthen its geopolitical influence, particularly in energy rich states. However, as of October 2024, Saudi Arabia has yet to officially respond to the invitation. While there have been ongoing discussions about the potential benefits of joining BRICS, the absence of an official confirmation leaves its membership status ambiguous. Consequently, the uncertainty surrounding Saudi Arabia’s membership further complicates the BRICS narrative, creating confusion about the actual number of members.

While discussions often reference a potential eleven-member group, the reality stands at only nine confirmed members due to Argentina's rejection and Saudi Arabia's non-response. Additionally, both Argentina and Saudi Arabia must navigate the delicate balance of maintaining relations with the United States, which historically has been a key ally to both nations. Each country must play its cards carefully, as aligning too closely with BRICS could risk provoking the wrath of the US, complicating their geopolitical calculations.

As countries consider the implications of joining, they weigh their national interests, foreign policy goals, and economic conditions. The fluctuating membership status in media reporting does not really affect BRICS at all but creates confusion that arises from this situation is evident in articles and analyses that may inaccurately include Argentina and Saudi Arabia as members, contributing to the misconception that BRICS has more than the confirmed nine members.