Turkey Seeks to Join BRICS, Bolstering Global Influence and Seeking New Alliances

Turkey has formally submitted an application to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations, marking a major shift in its foreign policy strategy, Bloomberg reports, citing anonymous sources.

The move, according to sources familiar with the matter, reflects Turkey’s desire to enhance its global influence and forge new alliances beyond its traditional Western partners.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration believes that the geopolitical center of gravity is shifting away from developed economies, prompting Turkey to explore new opportunities in the East. The country’s frustration over stalled progress in its decades-long bid to join the European Union has further fueled this shift.

“Turkey can become a strong, prosperous, prestigious and effective country if it improves its relations with the East and the West simultaneously,” Erdogan stated in Istanbul over the weekend. “Any method other than this will not benefit Turkey, but will harm it.”

The BRICS group, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has emerged as a powerful bloc of emerging economies. This year saw the addition of four new members: Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Saudi Arabia has also received an invitation to join.

Further expansion of the group could be discussed during a summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22-24. Other countries expressing interest in joining include Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey.

The BRICS group presents itself as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Membership could potentially grant Turkey access to financing through the BRICS development bank, as well as expand its political and trading ties.

Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party has long accused Western nations of hindering Turkey’s aspirations for a self-sufficient defense industry and a strong economy. The president has repeatedly advocated for a reform of the United Nations Security Council to broaden its permanent members and has expressed interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a Russia and China-led group seen as a rival to NATO.

Turkey believes joining BRICS could facilitate improved economic cooperation with Russia and China, positioning the country as a trade conduit between the EU and Asia. Turkey aims to become a hub for gas exports from Russia and Central Asia, according to sources.