Saudi Arabia and the BRICS: Positive Neutrality and Diplomatic Leadership in Multipolar Times

Saudi Arabia’s accession to the BRICS remains shrouded in ambiguity. Although the country was invited to join the group during the Johannesburg Summit in 2023, and is listed as a member in the “concept note” of Brazil’s BRICS presidency in 2025, the Kingdom has yet to formally confirm its entry. According to recent statements by the Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, the country is still assessing the benefits and challenges before formalizing its membership in the group. This hesitation, however, is not merely a sign of indecision—it reflects a diplomatic identity built around what is known as “positive neutrality.”