Turkey officially submits application requesting to join BRICS

Turkey has formally submitted its application to join the BRICS economic grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, after previously expressing strategic interest in joining the bloc. According to Turkish officials, the country’s application to join the European Union could reshape its economic and political position on the global stage.

Turkey's move to seek BRICS membership is seen as part of a broader strategy to diversify its economic and geopolitical partnerships. This interest was confirmed by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who will attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Nizhny Novgorod. The BRICS bloc has recently announced plans to expand its membership, inviting countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey's formal application comes in the wake of this expansion.

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Why Turkey wants to join Brics

Several factors motivate Turkey’s interest in BRICS. The bloc is viewed as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions like the G7. For Turkey, joining BRICS offers potential economic benefits without requiring significant political or economic commitments. Turkish officials have noted that the current stalled EU accession process has prompted Turkey to explore other economic platforms. They emphasised that BRICS should not be seen as an alternative to NATO or the EU, but rather as a supplementary avenue for economic cooperation.

Turkey’s desire to join BRICS is also driven by frustrations with its current allies, who are perceived as neglecting Ankara's security concerns and denying advanced weaponry. Turkish officials have suggested that being part of BRICS could provide additional opportunities for multilateral engagement, even if the immediate benefits are limited.

Perspectives on BRICS Membership

Academic and expert opinions offer various perspectives on Turkey’s potential BRICS membership. Hayati Unlu from Turkey's National Defense University views the interest in BRICS as a way for Turkey to balance its relationships with the West while addressing its economic challenges. He argues that Turkey’s participation could enhance BRICS’s significance by involving middle powers in the quest for a more multipolar world order.

Leon Rozmarin, a Russian affairs expert, notes that Turkey’s approach aims to maintain a balance by engaging with both Western and BRICS countries. This dual strategy allows Turkey to leverage relationships with key global players, including Russia, while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.

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Despite the strategic advantages, Turkey faces challenges in securing BRICS membership. Concerns about the bloc’s current focus on de-dollarisation and limited trade with BRICS countries, other than China, could affect the viability of Turkey’s bid. Additionally, there are questions about the bloc’s political influence and its future impact on international relations.