Turkey Eyes BRICS Membership: Strategic Move or Symbolic Gesture Against the West?"

Turkey’s pursuit of membership in the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, marks a significant geopolitical shift, reflecting both strategic ambitions and symbolic defiance against Western dominance. As Turkey, a NATO member since 1952 and a longstanding ally of the West, seeks to join BRICS, it highlights its evolving role on the global stage and its desire to diversify its international alliances.

Strategic and Symbolic Implications

Turkey’s interest in joining BRICS underscores its broader strategy to position itself as a key player in a multi-polar world. The country’s aspiration to become a BRICS member is seen as both a strategic maneuver and a symbolic act. According to George Dyson, a senior analyst at Control Risks, this move aligns with Turkey’s goal of establishing itself as an independent global actor, less constrained by traditional Western alliances.

“Turkey is not turning away from the West entirely,” Dyson noted. “Instead, it seeks to enhance its trading ties and pursue opportunities without being limited by Western alignment. The bid for BRICS is a clear demonstration of Turkey’s intent to operate independently.”

A Response to Western Rejection

Turkey’s relationship with Western institutions has been fraught with challenges. Despite its longstanding alignment with Europe and the U.S., Turkey has faced repeated rejections in its bid to join the European Union. This persistent obstacle has been a source of frustration for Ankara. As a result, Turkey’s pursuit of BRICS can be seen as a strategic effort to counterbalance its Western frustrations and seek new avenues for influence.

Matthew Bryza, a former U.S. diplomat now based in Istanbul, suggests that Turkey’s motivations are driven by a mix of national interest and a desire to challenge Western norms. “President Erdogan and his government are motivated by securing national interests and using this bid to spook the West, both out of strategic calculation and emotional spite,” Bryza said.

Expanding Global Influence

Turkey’s recent diplomatic activities reflect its growing global influence. The country has played a key role in brokering negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and has worked to mend relations with regional powers like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. Additionally, Turkey’s stance on not participating in Western sanctions against Russia highlights its intention to maintain an independent position, balancing relations with both Western and Eastern powers.

Arda Tunca, an independent economist and consultant based in Turkey, adds that Turkey’s BRICS bid is part of its broader strategy to reduce dependency on developed economies and strengthen ties with emerging markets. “Being part of BRICS allows Turkey to trade in currencies other than the dollar, aiming to decrease reliance on the U.S.-led financial system,” Tunca explained.

BRICS and Its Global Impact

The BRICS group, despite its lack of formal structure and enforcement mechanisms, serves as a counterweight to Western-led organizations like the EU and the G7. The recent inclusion of new members such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE further emphasizes BRICS’s role in challenging Western dominance.

Turkey’s potential membership would reinforce this dynamic, contributing to a more diversified global economic landscape. However, analysts caution that BRICS is still a relatively loose coalition without the formal enforcement mechanisms seen in Western institutions.

China’s Role and Western Concerns

China’s leadership within BRICS adds another layer of complexity to Turkey’s bid. The West, particularly the U.S., remains wary of China’s growing influence through BRICS. Dyson describes BRICS as more of a geopolitical counter to the G7 rather than a fully cohesive entity. “It’s interesting to see countries like Iran and the UAE joining BRICS, which appears as a sort of ‘anti-West’ team,” Dyson noted.

Turkey’s interest in BRICS has been voiced for several years, with President Erdogan expressing this desire since at least 2018. The formalization of this bid gained momentum during a BRICS+ summit attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in June, where Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for Turkey’s interest.

Conclusion

As Turkey advances its bid to join BRICS, it reflects a broader strategic vision of diversifying its global alliances and reducing dependency on Western institutions. While the outcome of this bid remains to be seen, Turkey’s move signals its intent to strengthen its position in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, balancing its Western ties with new opportunities in the East.