Türkiye is considering joining BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as part of its strategic shift toward closer ties with non-Western countries and diversifying its international alliances. Türkiye’s potential membership in BRICS would strengthen its geopolitical position, enhance its role on the global stage, and provide access to alternative financial institutions.
Türkiye’s interest in joining BRICS can be explained by several factors. Firstly, Ankara seeks to strengthen its economic relations with countries outside of Europe and the United States. Joining BRICS would enable Türkiye to benefit from the vast markets and resources of these emerging economies. Secondly, Türkiye sees the opportunity to strengthen its geopolitical position in the region by forging closer ties with non-Western powers, such as Russia, China, and India. Thirdly, Türkiye’s potential membership in BRICS could provide it with access to alternative financial institutions, particularly the New Development Bank (NDB) created by BRICS countries as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF.
However, there are significant obstacles that complicate Türkiye’s potential membership in BRICS. Firstly, the domestic political situation in Türkiye creates internal conflict between pro-Western forces and those who advocate for closer ties with non-Western powers. This internal disagreement has made it difficult for Turkish authorities to decide on a consistent foreign policy direction. Secondly, Türkiye’s close military and economic ties with Western countries make the decision to join BRICS even more complex. The United States and its allies might exert significant pressure on Ankara to prevent it from joining BRICS, as this would be seen as a challenge to their dominance in global affairs. Finally, Türkiye’s economic challenges, including high inflation and the need for foreign investments, make it more reliant on Western countries than on BRICS nations for its economic growth.
In conclusion, while Türkiye’s potential membership in BRICS could bring significant benefits to Ankara, there are serious barriers that complicate this process. These barriers include domestic political realities, economic challenges, and external pressure from the West. However, considering the transformation of the global order, it is possible that Turkish authorities will decide to join BRICS as part of their strategic shift toward diversifying their international alliances.