BRICS Without Straw: What Does China Offer to New Members?

BY: ALASTAIR NEWTON

Reviving a 2-decade-old headline: BRICs coined by Jim O'Neill lacked substance, despite marketing mastery.

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BRICS, stagnant until Russia's Ukraine invasion, now attracts China to strengthen ties with middle powers.

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China offers autocrats a secure alternative world order, BRICS adds Egypt, UAE, and Saudi Arabia in 2024.

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Egypt faces a dilemma, balancing US aid with economic woes, BRICS membership offers economic stability.

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UAE seeks BRICS for political reasons, declining US interest prompts desire for independent alliances.

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Saudi Arabia seeks BRICS due to uncertain US security guarantees and regional diplomacy with Iran.

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Saudi Arabia hesitates on BRICS membership, potentially leveraging it for concessions in talks with Washington.

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Saudi Arabia hesitates on aiding Biden's goals, it's a low-risk move with doubts about grand bargains.

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