The Non-Aligned Movement is an international political and diplomatic trend that emerged during the Cold War era, particularly from the 1950s to the 1980s. This movement is commonly defined as a group of countries that aimed to remain independent from the influence of major powers like the United States (US) and the Soviet Socialist Republics Union (SSSR), advocating for neutrality.
During World War II, certain countries had come together as allies to fight against Nazi Germany and Japan. However, with the conclusion of the war, a new era in world politics began. The emergence of the Cold War led to a division of the world between two major powers. The Non-Aligned Movement also emerged during this period.
The main objective of the Non-Aligned Movement was to maintain their own independence and sovereignty without being affected by the competition between superpowers like the US and the USSR. Among the prominent figures of the movement were India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Indonesian President Ahmed Sukarno.
During World War II, the foundations of the Non-Aligned Movement had not yet been established. However, with the conclusion of the war, among the newly independent countries, a notion of avoiding the influence of major powers began to take shape. This notion laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement.
The Non-Aligned Movement played a significant role in the complex international dynamics of the Cold War era. Its members aimed to protect their own independence by resisting the influence of major powers.[1]
After World War II, global politics entered a bipolar Cold War era. However, some countries chose to maintain their neutrality by not aligning with either of the two major blocs. These countries became known as “non-aligned” and preferred to pursue their independent foreign policies. Today, the legacy of these non-aligned nations has been revitalized through new formations like BRICS, which have the potential to reshape the global political balance. China’s references to “non-alignment and non-Western-centric modernization” in its foreign policy have also been evident in the BRICS meetings held between August 22-24, 2023.[2]
The rise of BRICS can be seen as a multipolar step in contrast to Western-centric institutions like the G7 and the World Bank. The Non-Aligned Movement reflects countries’ efforts to maintain economic and political independence. These nations aimed to shape their own destinies without falling under the influence of major powers, particularly the US and the USSR during the Cold War. In the present day, BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have come together with a similar motivation. These countries have united to wield greater influence in the global economy and politics, safeguard their own interests, and represent the developing world.
The rise of BRICS aims to provide an alternative to Western-centric institutions. Historically, global economic and financial institutions have been shaped under Western dominance. However, as BRICS countries have experienced economic growth and gained influence, their desire to have a greater impact on these institutions has grown. For instance, after the 2008 global financial crisis, BRICS countries called for reforms in the international financial system. This situation marks a significant step towards the emergence of a multipolar order.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the country’s participation in BRICS by emphasizing his support for neutrality and non-alignment policies. Ramaphosa stated that his country continues to uphold its policy of neutrality and, within this framework, joining BRICS aims to diversify and strengthen South Africa’s global relationships.[3]
The expansion of BRICS with the decision to include 6 new members holds not only economic and financial significance but also represents a political and strategic power balance. The BRICS group is increasingly attempting to play a balancing role against the dominance of forums led by the West, such as the G7 and the World Bank. During the summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24, 2023, BRICS announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia were invited and their memberships would commence in January 2024. This expansion showcases BRICS’ effort to enhance its global influence and create a counterbalance in international dynamics.[4]
The BRICS group has stated its aim to bring diversity to the world power structure in the midst of increasing polarization. Smaller countries in the world have often been pressured to choose sides in global competition. BRICS, on the other hand, has offered a sort of “middle way strategy” for situations like these, allowing countries to maintain a more neutral and balanced stance amidst the global power dynamics.
Indeed, Saudi Arabia’s potential inclusion in BRICS as a member, being already a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), could have significant implications on the global political and economic order:
1. Energy and Economic Balance: The convergence of Saudi Arabia and China within BRICS signifies a strengthening of collaboration among major players in the realms of energy and economy. Saudi Arabia’s energy wealth and its membership in OPEC wield substantial influence over the direction of the global energy market. Meanwhile, China stands as one of the world’s largest economies and a rapidly growing energy consumer. This union could further impact the equilibrium of energy supply and demand.
2. Geopolitical Implications: Saudi Arabia’s strategic position in the Middle East and China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region can reverberate across global geopolitical dynamics. This alliance, particularly in terms of shaping policies in the Middle East and addressing security concerns in Asia, may carry heightened significance.
3. Trade and Economic Relations: China’s robust economy coupled with Saudi Arabia’s energy resources could amplify collaboration in the domains of trade and investment. Enhanced economic ties between the two nations, particularly through si-gnificant projects like China’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” could contribute to regional and global economic integration.
4. Global Political Balance: This merger could potentially disrupt the traditionally Western-centric global political balance. The convergence of BRICS and OPEC might exert increased competitive pressure on international institutions and policy-making processes led by the West.
5.Quest for Political Balance and Collaboration: Saudi Arabia’s inclusion in BRICS alongside Russia and China could prompt an increase in global balance-seeking and collaboration efforts. These countries might have come together to champion their own interests and attain greater influence in the evolving global order. This situation can be interpreted as a step toward a multipolar framework.
In conclusion, global politics has been invigorated by the expansion of BRICS, laying the foundation for today’s multipolar order. The ascent of BRICS and the inclusion of six new members could be seen as a reflection of the endeavor to establish an alternative to Western-centric economic and political hegemony. This development demonstrates a shifting balance in international relations, hinting at the potential emergence of a more multipolar order in the future.
[1] Segah Tekin, “Güney-Güney İşbirliğinin İdeolojik Temelleri: Bağlantısızlar Hareketi ve Küresel Güney”, Dicle Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, (24), 2020, p. 65.
[2] “Xi Urges China, Africa To Join Hands For Modernization”, China State Council, https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202308/25/content_WS64e7f5eac6d0868f4e8dece1.html, (Date of Accession: 28.08.2023).
[3] “Ramaphosa Defends Sa’s Brics Participation, Emphasises Non-Aligned Policy”, Eye Witness News, https://ewn.co.za/2023/08/21/ramaphosa-defends-sa-s-brics-participation-emphasises-non-aligned-policy, (Date of Accession: 24.08.2023).
[4] “The BRICS Group Announces New Members, Expanding Its Reach”, New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/24/world/europe/brics-expansion-xi-lula.html, (Date of Accession: 24.08.2023).
