In the modern scientific space, debates often unfold over the possibility of a polycentric world. This issue is controversial and ambiguous, which allows considering it from different angles, taking into account the diametrically opposed points of view of scientists that specialize in this field. In the light of the global difficulties arisen in 2020 caused by the coronavirus epidemic, it is of great scientific interest to study the changing international positions of ambitious regional leaders seeking to strengthen their authority as potential centers of power - Saudi Arabia and Brazil.