Turkey Seeks BRICS Membership to Strengthen Global Alliances Beyond West

Turkey has formally applied to join the BRICS group, reflecting its strategy to expand its global influence and diversify alliances beyond its traditional Western partners. The move comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and frustrations with its stalled EU membership bid.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration views the BRICS alliance as a key opportunity to cultivate ties in a multipolar world while still maintaining Turkey’s commitments to NATO. The application aims to bolster Turkey’s economic and political relationships with major emerging economies.

The BRICS group, originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Turkey’s bid for membership aligns with its desire to strengthen ties with both Eastern and Western countries simultaneously.

Turkey’s frustration with the slow progress of its EU membership talks and rifts with NATO allies, particularly due to its close relations with Russia, have driven this new diplomatic push. Erdogan believes that balancing relations with both East and West will benefit Turkey’s global standing.

The upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22-24 could discuss further expansion. Other countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan, are also seeking membership, indicating a growing interest in the group.

The BRICS alliance presents an alternative to Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank and IMF, offering potential economic and political benefits. Turkey sees this as a chance to enhance economic cooperation with Russia and China and act as a trade conduit between the EU and Asia.

Erdogan’s administration has also been pursuing investments from Chinese electric carmakers, leveraging Turkey’s customs union with the EU for market access. This aligns with Turkey’s broader strategy to strengthen its economic position.

Despite pursuing BRICS membership, Turkey remains committed to revitalizing its EU membership talks. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasized that the EU remains a strategic target, reflecting Turkey’s dual approach to international diplomacy and economic growth.