On Tuesday, September 3rd, Turkey officially applied to join the BRICS group of emerging economies, marking a significant pivot in its foreign policy. This move, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is seen as an effort to expand Turkey’s influence beyond its traditional Western allies and to build stronger ties with non-Western powers such as Russia and China. According to sources, Turkeys decision is driven by frustrations over stalled negotiations with the European Union (EU) and strained relations with NATO allies, particularly following Turkey’s close ties with Russia despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Turkey’s application to BRICS—an economic bloc that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the EU’s slow response to Turkey’s longstanding membership bid. Erdogan’s administration believes that the geopolitical center of gravity is moving away from the developed economies, a shift that BRICS embodies. “Turkey can become a strong, prosperous, prestigious, and effective country if it improves its relations with the East and the West simultaneously,” Erdogan said, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in foreign relations.
The application also reflects Turkey’s ambition to enhance its strategic autonomy and economic cooperation with BRICS nations, particularly with Russia and China. Analysts suggest that this move is not meant to replace Turkey’s ties with the West but to diversify its partnerships in a multipolar world. Sinan Ülgen, a former Turkish diplomat, noted, “This is not the strategy to replace the West, but a strategy to strengthen relations with non-Western powers at a time when the U.S. hegemony is waning.”
Despite its BRICS bid, Turkey remains committed to its role within NATO. Officials argue that joining BRICS would not conflict with its NATO obligations, as BRICS is primarily an economic organization without a security component. However, the potential shift in Turkey’s alliances could affect its relationship with the EU, especially as Turkey pursues parallel efforts to rejuvenate its EU membership talks.
Turkey’s diplomatic maneuvering indicates a broader aspiration to position itself as a bridge between the East and the West. With its application to BRICS, Turkey aims to boost its economic prospects by serving as a trade conduit between the EU and Asia while also attracting investment from Chinese companies looking to leverage Turkey’s customs union with the EU. As Turkey navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, it remains to be seen how its dual strategy of engaging both Western and non-Western blocs will unfold.
