Turkey’s Potential Entry into Brics Economic Bloc Sparks Global Interest
In a surprising move earlier this year, Turkey has expressed interest in joining the Brics economic bloc, a group comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This development has caught the attention of global observers, as Turkey could potentially become the first Nato ally to join the influential economic alliance.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Turkey’s bid will be discussed at the upcoming Brics summit in Moscow, chaired by Russia. While the organisation is open to expanding its membership, not all applications are likely to be accepted. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to attend the summit, signaling Turkey’s serious intent to join the bloc.
The decision by Brics to consider new members, including Turkey, has prompted the Turkish foreign ministry to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of membership. One Turkish official highlighted that Turkey is attracted to Brics because it does not impose strict political or economic commitments, unlike other international alliances.
“We don’t see Brics as an alternative to Nato or the EU,” the official explained. “But given the challenges in our EU accession process and the lack of support for our security concerns, exploring other economic platforms is necessary for Turkey’s interests.”
Experts like Hayati Unlu from Turkey’s National Defense University argue that Turkey’s interest in Brics should not be viewed as a complete shift away from the west. Instead, Turkey aims to diversify its economic partnerships to overcome challenges and enhance its global standing.
Leon Rozmarin, an expert on Russian affairs, emphasized that Turkey’s potential entry into Brics aligns with its strategy of maintaining trade relations with various global powers. He noted that Turkey’s participation in Brics would not necessarily be anti-western, as countries like India and Brazil have been longstanding members of the bloc.
However, concerns have been raised about the practicality of Turkey’s membership in Brics, given its limited trade relations with Brics countries other than China. The potential political influence of Brics has also been questioned, with some suggesting that the bloc’s impact may be limited in the current global landscape.
Despite these challenges, experts like Unlu believe that the inclusion of middle powers like Turkey could enhance Brics’s significance and contribute to a more multipolar world order. As traditional global institutions face criticism for being outdated, alternative platforms like Brics are gaining traction among nations seeking to diversify their economic and political alliances.
As Turkey’s bid to join Brics unfolds, the global community will be closely watching how this strategic move could reshape the dynamics of the global economy and international relations. With Turkey potentially becoming a key player in the influential economic bloc, the implications of this decision could have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.