A powerful entity within the area

Turkey, on behalf of NATO and the European Union, sparked debate in October by declaring its plan to join the BRICS cooperation framework, seen by Western countries as a stabilizing factor. The attendance of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the BRICS Summit in Kazan intensified attention.

During a press conference in Estonia, Mark Rutte, the recently named NATO Secretary General, highlighted Turkey’s continuous position as a principal NATO ally and its fundamental entitlement to work with the BRICS framework, which is in harmony with Turkey’s NATO membership.

“Turkey prides itself on having one of NATO’s most heavily armed military units, greatly enhancing NATO’s geographical scope by providing a variety of capabilities to the whole alliance.”Learning of Turkey’s vital involvement in NATO for many years fills us with immense happiness and relief,” he commented.

Additionally, U.S. media s ources referenced informed source s who voiced Turkey’s deep dissatisfaction with its extended failure to pursue EU membership. The persistent robust bond be tween Turkey and Moscow after the conflict has somewhat jeopardized Turkey’s standing among other NATO countries. Turkey believes that joining BRICS could st rengthen its economic ties with China and Russia and serve as a trade channel between the EU and Asia.

From the above, it’s clear that Turkey’s widespread appeal surpasses that of many international entities, owing to its robust ties with major nations, a key factor in candidate selection.

An internationally acknowledged strategic location and armed forces power

Turkey extends geographically, spanning the frontiers of Asia and Europe. The region is bordered by the Black Sea in the north, the Mediterranean Sea in the south, Syria and Iraq in the southeast, the Aegean Sea in the west, Greece and Bulgaria, and Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran in the east. Turkey’s strategic geopolitical significance and strategic location are key, acting as a crucial crossroads between Europe and Asia, offering both benefits and drawbacks.As the importance of a strategic location increases, global powers find it easier to compete for it. While a weak nation’s geographical location may cause disasters, a strong country can gradually acquire power.

Turkey has long been committed to enhancing its nautical prowess, a crucial element in its rise as an international power. Considering Turkey’s supremacy in the Black Sea and its Mediterranean coastal status, its naval capabilities can hinder European passage through the Suez Canal as needed.

Turkey’s military, including a strong navy, air force, and army, has shown expertise in drone technology. The nation’s navy focuses on enhancing their maritime abilities by modifying drone carriers and building their aircraft carriers. Viewed from an air force standpoint, Turkey’s TB-2 UAV was outstanding in the Nakah conflict, resulting in the development of various reconnaissance and combat -integrated UAVs, such as the TB-3 Ranger and the Red Apple UAV. Turkey is curren tly pioneering advancements in drone technology, especially in the TB-3 carrier-borne drone, marking significant achievements in the international military trade sphere.

Turkey’s commanding position in military power, both in Europe and worldwide, showcases its strong capacity to meet international needs, whether in terms of military size, equipment, technology, or organizational framework. This also greatly inspires the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to make decisions.

Enthusiastic diplomatic participant

During the Cold War period, the trajectory of Turkey’s foreign policy was solely influenced by its global framework and system, rendering it incapable of preserving its independence or thriving. Post Erdogan and the AK Party’s ascent to power, Turkey embraced an independent foreign policy, focusing on Middle Eastern affairs and Africa and the East.

In 2012, Turkey’s then foreign minister, Ahme t Davutoglu, penned a Global Governance report. This document underscored how the Napoleonic Wars led Europe to support the Vienna Protocol in 1815, subsequently the League of Nations after World War I, and the United Nations following World War II. However, a new international structure has not materialized since the Cold War. He believes it’s vital to concentrate on the constructive interplay among regional entities to foster regional steadiness, considering the European Union and the African Union as exemplary figures. He also believes that the ancient Silk Road provides crucial knowledge for global governance, acting as a “path of peace”.

Starting in 2021, Turkey has improved its diplomatic relations with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, and its dealings with Iran have significantly intensified at the recent Turkey-Russia-Iran summit. Turkey’s remarkable diplomatic successes in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have positioned it as a pivotal figure in forming a new global order.

Clearly, the candidate not only holds a powerful country but also boasts a strong history in diplomacy.

By Yiqi Wen