Palestine’s formal application to join BRICS sent ripples through diplomatic circles just as global recognition of Palestinian statehood reached record highs.
The move came days after prominent Western nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, joined a growing consensus supporting Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
This bid signaled not only momentum for Palestine’s push on the world stage but also the rapidly evolving dynamics of the global order.
The question now is how this unprecedented application could affect both regional politics and the alliances shaping the future of international relations.
Why did Palestine apply to BRICS now?
Palestine’s timing leverages a surge in diplomatic recognition from a majority of UN member states. With support from 157 of 193 countries, the Palestinian leadership sensed a crucial window to shore up international legitimacy through platforms outside Western institutions.
The recent cascade of recognitions created an atmosphere favoring bold moves toward broader multilateral engagement.
Palestinian Ambassador Abdel Hafiz Nofal confirmed that the application’s submission was driven by this historic diplomatic momentum.
While welcoming the process, he acknowledged that full membership would take time, with Palestine expected to serve first as a guest until necessary conditions for admission are met.
Did you know?
BRICS membership requests surged by over 200 percent since 2022, reflecting a global realignment of strategic partnerships.
How are global powers reacting to Palestine’s BRICS bid?
China was the first major power to publicly support Palestine’s application. Speaking for the government, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun welcomed "like-minded partners" and cited BRICS as a key engine for both multipolarity and a more equitable international order.
This positive reception tracks with China’s efforts to broaden BRICS’ outreach beyond its original core. Other powers have taken notice.
Russia signaled willingness to spotlight the issue at the upcoming Russian-Arab summit in Moscow, where President Mahmoud Abbas and President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet.
The United States and Israel reserved public comment, reflecting the complex diplomatic balances at play in the Middle East and beyond.
What is the significance of wider statehood recognition?
The number of countries that officially recognize Palestinian statehood surged to 157, a dramatic increase driven by organized diplomatic efforts at the United Nations.
Notably, France’s leadership played a role in coordinating Western recognition, with President Emmanuel Macron openly supporting the effort. For Palestine, such broad recognition boosts not just legal standing but also leverage in future negotiations.
Recognition has both symbolic and practical significance. Widespread global support means Palestine can participate more actively in international forums, press its case for full UN membership, and engage in wider economic and security partnerships.
It also places increased pressure on those countries that have withheld support to review their stance amid shifting global norms.
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How could Palestine’s membership shape BRICS and the Middle East?
The growth of BRICS from its original five members to a broader coalition, which now includes countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, shows its new weight in global affairs.
Should Palestine’s bid succeed, the move may boost BRICS’ image as a champion of developing countries. It would also challenge perceptions that large, established economies dominate the bloc’s agenda.
For the Middle East, Palestinian membership in BRICS could encourage other nations to seek broader alliances outside traditional Western frameworks.
This might alter regional strategies, amplify voices from the Global South, and potentially create new channels for conflict resolution, economic support, and political advocacy in multilateral settings.
What happens next for Palestine and BRICS?
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hopes to discuss the bid directly with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at the Russian-Arab summit scheduled for October 15 in Moscow.
Until then, Palestinian officials anticipate participating in some capacity as a guest rather than as a full member.
The decision will likely depend on ongoing internal BRICS discussions and consensus among its expanding membership.
Palestine’s application puts it among dozens of countries seeking to join the bloc and comes ahead of India’s turn as BRICS summit host in 2026.
The coming months will reveal how established and emerging powers respond and whether BRICS adapts its rules to reflect its rapidly widening circle of partners. This could reshape the future of international coalitions and global influence.
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