Turkey’s Bid for BRICS: A Strategic and Symbolic Move

Turkey’s geographical position, straddling Europe and Asia, has always been a critical asset. Its control over the Bosporus Strait, a key maritime chokepoint, further enhances its strategic importance. By joining BRICS, Turkey could leverage this geographical advantage to act as a bridge between the East and the West, facilitating trade and diplomacy. Moreover, Turkey’s growing economic ties with China and Russia, two of the most influential BRICS members, could be further strengthened, providing Ankara with greater leverage in negotiating bilateral trade agreements and energy deals.

Symbolically, Turkey’s interest in BRICS membership is a response to its longstanding frustrations with the West. Despite decades of alignment with Europe and the U.S., Turkey has faced consistent rejection from the European Union. The stalled EU accession process has been a source of national discontent and has fueled a sense of alienation from Western institutions. By seeking a place within BRICS, Turkey is signaling its willingness to explore alternative alliances and reduce its dependency on Western approval.

This symbolic gesture also reflects a broader trend in Turkish foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has increasingly emphasized Turkey’s independence and regional leadership. By aligning with BRICS, Turkey is asserting its sovereignty and challenging the Western-centric view of global governance. This move resonates with a domestic audience that values national pride and supports Turkey’s aspirations to become a leading global power.

Turkey’s path to BRICS membership is not without challenges. The bloc’s diverse economic and political landscapes mean that consensus-building can be difficult. Additionally, Turkey’s NATO membership and its strategic relationship with the United States could complicate its integration into a group often seen as a counterweight to Western influence.

Despite these challenges, Turkey’s bid for BRICS offers significant opportunities. It could enhance Turkey’s global standing, diversify its economic partnerships, and provide a platform for Ankara to influence global issues ranging from trade to climate change. Furthermore, BRICS membership could serve as a catalyst for domestic economic reform, as Turkey seeks to align itself with the economic standards and practices of other BRICS countries.

Turkey’s bid for BRICS membership is a multifaceted initiative that reflects both strategic interests and symbolic aspirations. As Turkey navigates its complex relationship with the West and seeks to assert its independence on the global stage, BRICS represents a valuable platform for achieving these goals. Whether Turkey’s application succeeds or not, the mere act of pursuing BRICS membership 

By Sanjida Jannat