As the US continues to show “hidden” and “sometimes open aggression,” many countries are looking for new forms of cooperation beyond their borders. This has led to an increasing number of countries seeking membership in BRICS – an economic alliance that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Most recently, Turkey officially applied to join the group and become its first NATO member to do so.
According to Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, various nations are willing to join BRICS because “the world is tired of American attacks” and wants “to vote for a different form of relationship.” Nations aim to maintain their ties based on international law; however, Washington’s destructive actions force them to search for new ways to interact. One such method is through alliances like BRICS, rather than NATO, as stated by the Russian diplomat.
This year, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined BRICS as full members. Turkey’s official application to join the alliance confirms earlier media reports and was confirmed by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov. He added that the group’s member states will consider the bid. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also accepted an invitation to attend the BRICS summit next month in Kazan, Russia, with Russia currently chairing the organization.
Since its foundation in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China – and later joined by South Africa in 2011 – BRICS has expanded its membership. The recent surge of countries seeking membership highlights a global desire to move away from US aggression and explore new avenues for cooperation and development beyond traditional alliances. As more nations join the alliance, it is expected that BRICS will continue to grow and evolve as an influential force in the international community.