The BRICS group, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has evolved from an economic concept to a powerful political and economic alliance. Over the years, it has gained influence in global affairs, shaping international policy on various fronts. While BRICS primarily consists of countries from diverse regions, one question has emerged: Will Israel join BRICS? In this blog post, we delve into the dynamics and implications of Israel’s potential inclusion in BRICS.
Understanding BRICS
BRICS originated in 2001 as BRIC, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The primary aim was to identify emerging economies expected to surpass current major powers economically by 2050. South Africa joined in 2010, and the group rebranded as BRICS. Together, they represent 40% of the world’s population and more than 25% of its landmass.
BRICS countries vary significantly in GDP per capita, literacy, and life expectancy, with India and South Africa trailing behind the others. These nations aspire to reform global institutions like the United Nations (UN) Security Council and make financial systems more equitable.
Israel’s Relations with BRICS
As of now, Israel has no formal strategic or economic institutional relationship with BRICS. However, Israel has shown interest in the alternative economic and strategic opportunities offered by the BRICS alliance. It has focused on strengthening ties with Russia, India, and China, with some notable success. Israel’s relations with Brazil and South Africa, though unique, lack a strategic dimension.
One significant challenge Israel faces in relation to BRICS is the Palestinian issue. BRICS countries tend to vote against Israel on Palestinian-related matters, extending the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement. For example, in 2011, Brazil, India, and South Africa supported UN recognition of Palestine as a state. However, BRICS as an institution has not engaged extensively in direct international diplomacy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel and the “RIC” Countries
Israel’s focus on developing strategic relationships with Russia, India, and China stems from several common factors:
- Balancing European Sanctions: Israel anticipates potential European sanctions over the Palestinian issue and aims to establish alternative economic relationships.
- Diversifying Strategic Partnerships: Israel seeks to balance its reliance on the United States and expand its strategic relationships beyond the Washington-Jerusalem axis.
- Countering Energy Trends: As the United States moves toward energy independence, Israel seeks to counterbalance China and India’s growing energy dependence on countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Israel and Russia: Israel’s deepening relationship with Russia includes economic cooperation, intelligence sharing, and mutual interests in countering Islamic extremism. Despite some differences, Israel refrains from criticizing Russia’s actions in the Middle East.
Israel and India: Israel collaborates closely with India on intelligence related to militant Islam and is a significant arms supplier. The election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has further strengthened ties.
Israel and China: Israel is actively seeking Chinese investment in various sectors, including high-tech R&D, infrastructure, and academia. However, concerns about China’s economic dominance in the Middle East persist.
Will Israel join BRICS?
While Israel has been cultivating ties with Russia, India, and China, its economic and strategic relationships with the United States and the European Union remain paramount. Israel’s pursuit of BRICS links is driven by a need to diversify its international partnerships, counterbalance potential European sanctions, and adapt to evolving energy trends.
However, Israel must tread carefully in its efforts to strengthen ties with BRICS nations, as Washington and Brussels closely monitor these developments. Balancing these relationships while maintaining its vital strategic alliance with the United States will be a delicate task for Israel in the years to come.
In summary, when asking ourselves the question “Will Israel join BRICS”, the answer is quite clearly a “no”. However, while Israel’s inclusion in BRICS is not imminent, its engagement with BRICS members, particularly Russia, India, and China, reflects a strategic shift in the country’s foreign policy as it seeks to secure its position in a changing global landscape.
Related: Why Isn’t Israel in the G20? | Can Israel Join NATO?