The BRICS+ summit, held on July 6 and 7 in Rio de Janeiro, highlighted the growing power of this expanded bloc, now made up of ten countries that together account for nearly 45% of the global population and 31% of the world’s GDP in purchasing power parity. As these nations push for greater influence on the world stage, Morocco finds itself navigating this shifting geopolitical landscape. At the same time, Morocco’s Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES) has released a report, dated May 2024, analyzing the opportunities and challenges the country faces within this emerging global order.
The BRICS+ group has broadened its reach to include Africa and the Middle East with the addition of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran—further enhancing its global weight. For Morocco, which has long pursued a strategy of diversifying its international partnerships, this presents both potential gains and diplomatic dilemmas. The key challenge lies in tapping into new markets without jeopardizing the country’s deep-rooted ties with the G7.
The IRES report offers a detailed examination of Morocco’s bilateral relations with each BRICS+ member. Some partnerships, such as the close and dynamic ties with the UAE, are already well-established, while others remain limited or complicated. On the Western front, Morocco’s trade with the G7 reached $36.2 billion, with a manageable trade deficit and a coverage rate nearing 70%. According to IRES, these strong political, security, and cultural links with Western partners remain a vital asset that underpins Morocco’s global standing.
The study takes a critical view of the idea of Morocco seeking full membership in BRICS+, concluding that such a move would likely offer limited benefits by 2035. The report highlights the risks of alienating long-time allies, increasing dependency on Europe, and undermining crucial security relationships with NATO and the G7. Instead of formal membership, IRES advocates for a strategy of diplomatic flexibility—one that embraces openness toward BRICS+ while preserving and strengthening ties with Western partners. This approach reflects Morocco’s longstanding tradition of pragmatic, balanced foreign policy.
Ultimately, the report outlines a middle-ground strategy where Morocco could capitalize on economic opportunities presented by BRICS+ without weakening the solid foundations of its Western alliances. This kind of “strategic agility,” the report argues, could bolster Morocco’s influence in a rapidly evolving multipolar world.
