Turkey has initiated a significant yet measured process toward joining the BRICS group, a coalition of emerging economies that seeks to challenge the dominance of Western-led institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Although concrete actions have yet to be taken to achieve this goal, a spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Omer Celik, confirmed on September 3, 2024, that efforts are indeed underway. This announcement follows President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s previous statement in June, where he clarified that Turkey’s interest in BRICS membership does not suggest a shift away from its aspirations to join other international groups, particularly the European Union (EU), where Turkey continues to be an official candidate.
If successful in its bid, Turkey would become the first NATO member to join BRICS, an organization that positions itself as a counterbalance to the Western-dominated global order. The country’s formal application to join BRICS underscores its strategic intent to enhance its global influence and establish new relationships beyond its traditional Western alliances, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Erdogan administration perceives a global shift in geopolitical influence away from developed economies. This diplomatic move reflects Turkey’s ambition to strengthen ties across a multipolar world while maintaining its commitments as a key member of NATO. Turkey, geographically bridging Europe and Asia, submitted its application to join BRICS several months ago, driven by frustration over the stagnation in its decades-long quest to join the EU, as well as growing tensions with fellow NATO members, particularly due to Turkey’s ongoing close relations with Russia following the 2022 Ukraine war. Both Turkey’s foreign ministry and presidency have opted not to comment on these developments in public forums.
President Erdogan emphasized that Turkey could only achieve its full potential as a strong, prosperous, and influential nation by simultaneously strengthening its relations with both Eastern and Western powers. He warned that any other approach would be detrimental to the country’s interests. His remarks highlight Turkey’s efforts to guide a complex global landscape, seeking to balance its allegiances between the East and the West without being forced into a binary choice.
The BRICS group, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents some of the world’s largest emerging economies. Earlier this year, the organization expanded to include four new members: Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Saudi Arabia has also been invited to join, although it has not yet formally accepted. The possibility of further expansion is expected to be discussed at the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22-24. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan—a close ally of Turkey—are also expressing interest in joining.
BRICS promotes itself as an alternative to Western-dominated financial institutions, offering new members potential access to financing through its development bank and opportunities to diversify their political and trade relationships. Turkey’s ruling AKP has long criticized Western nations for obstructing its ambitions of developing a self-sufficient defense industry and a robust economy. President Erdogan has frequently called for a restructuring of the United Nations Security Council to include more permanent members, and he has shown interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an alliance established by Russia and China as a counter to NATO.
Erdogan has asserted that Turkey does not need to choose between the European Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, contrary to what some may suggest. Instead, Turkey aims to cultivate relationships with both these organizations and others, pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes. His statements reflect Turkey’s broader strategy of engaging with multiple global powers to maximize its influence and opportunities.
The expansion of BRICS has been largely driven by China, which is eager to increase its global influence by aligning with nations that have traditionally been allied with the United States. Turkey’s application to join BRICS aligns with its broader foreign policy goals, particularly its desire to enhance economic cooperation with Russia and China. By becoming a member of BRICS, Turkey aims to position itself as a key trade intermediary between the European Union and Asia. The country also aspires to become a central hub for gas exports from Russia and Central Asia, further solidifying its strategic importance in global energy markets.
In addition to its BRICS ambitions, Erdogan’s administration has been actively seeking to attract investment from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. These companies could benefit from Turkey’s customs union with the EU, potentially using the country as a gateway to expand their market presence in Europe. Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, highlighted the importance of BRICS as an organization that contributes to the diversity of approaches, identities, and policies within the global economic system following his participation in a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in June.
Despite Turkey’s efforts to join BRICS, the country continues to pursue its long-standing goal of joining the European Union. This remains a critical objective, as Fidan reiterated Turkey’s commitment after attending informal talks with EU counterparts for the first time in five years. This dual approach reflects Turkey’s desire to maintain a delicate balance between strengthening ties with Eastern powers while still aiming to integrate more deeply with Western institutions.
Turkey’s bid to join BRICS represents a strategic move aimed at diversifying its global partnerships in an increasingly multipolar world. While the country remains a committed NATO member and continues to seek EU membership, its application to join BRICS signals a broader shift in its foreign policy. By engaging with both Eastern and Western powers, Turkey is positioning itself as a versatile player on the global stage, capable of guiding complex geopolitical dynamics and enhancing its influence in the international arena.
The success of Turkey’s BRICS bid could have far-reaching implications, not only for the country’s economic and political future but also for the broader geopolitical landscape. As the global balance of power continues to evolve, Turkey’s ability to forge strong ties with both Eastern and Western powers will be crucial in determining its role in shaping the future of international relations. By pursuing a multi-faceted foreign policy, Turkey aims to secure its place as a key player in the global order, capable of influencing outcomes in a rapidly changing world.
Turkey’s application to join BRICS represents a significant step in its ongoing efforts to enhance its global influence. While challenges remain, particularly in reconciling its Eastern and Western alliances, the potential benefits of BRICS membership are substantial. If successful, Turkey could leverage its BRICS membership to strengthen economic ties with emerging markets, enhance its strategic importance as a trade hub, and position itself as a leading voice in the global dialogue on economic and political reform. As the world continues to grapple with shifting power dynamics, Turkey’s strategic diplomacy will play a critical role in shaping the future of global governance.
[Photo by Lula Oficial, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
Syed Raiyan Amir is a Senior Research Associate/ Research Manager at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA). He was a Research Assistant at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and International Republican Institute (IRI). He has completed his internship at Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI). The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
