UAE Membership in BRICS Plus: A Paradigm Shift in International Relations

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

International Political Economy Series

Publication Date

7-12-2026

Abstract

The UAE’s accession to BRICS Plus signifies a strategic pivot beyond economics—reflecting its ambition to amplify geopolitical influence, advance multilateralism, and position itself within an emerging multipolar order. This chapter investigates the motivations, impacts, and implications of this membership, addressing three core questions: the UAE’s strategic objectives; its evolving role in international relations; and the effects on economic diversification and diplomatic flexibility. Using qualitative methods—including document analysis, trade data review, and assessment of bilateral ties with BRICS Plus states—the chapter argues that UAE’s inclusion is a calculated move to diversify partnerships, strengthen autonomy in foreign policy, and align with non-Western institutional frameworks. Expected outcomes include deeper diplomatic engagement, expanded trade (especially in energy transition and infrastructure), and enhanced participation in global governance reform. Crucially, this step dovetails with the UAE’s national visions (e.g., We the UAE 2031), emphasizing proactive global citizenship. Ultimately, BRICS Plus offers the UAE a platform to project soft power, mitigate geopolitical risks, and help shape inclusive alternatives to the current international order.

ISSN

2662-2483

Publisher

Springer Nature Switzerland

Volume

Part F2299

First Page

283

Last Page

309

Disciplines

Political Science

Keywords

BRICS plus, Economic diversification, Geopolitical influence, Multilateral cooperation, Multipolarity, Strategic autonomy, UAE

Scopus ID

105048047979

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS