Turkey’s application to join the BRICS economic bloc, led by Russia and China, has surprised NATO allies, raising concerns about Ankara’s future alignment within the alliance. This move marks the first time a NATO member has sought membership in a group that positions itself as an alternative to Western-led institutions.
On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed that his country had applied to join BRICS, citing the need to strengthen ties with both the East and the West. “Turkey can become a strong, prosperous, prestigious and effective country if it improves its relations with the East and the West simultaneously,” Erdoğan said in İstanbul over the weekend. He dismissed claims that Turkey must choose between the European Union (EU) and other alliances, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, insisting on a “win-win” approach to foreign relations.
Sinan Ülgen, head of the İstanbul-based think tank EDAM, told Newsweek that Turkey’s decision is driven by “accumulated frustrations” with the West, including a stalled bid to join the EU. He clarified that the move is not intended to replace Western ties but to strengthen relations with non-Western powers as the geopolitical landscape evolves. “This is not the strategy, by Ankara, to replace the West, but it’s a strategy to strengthen relations with non-Western powers at a time when the US hegemony is waning,” Ülgen said.
Ankara’s application comes as BRICS prepares to discuss expansion at a summit in Russia in October. Observers note that Turkey’s pivot to BRICS reflects its desire for greater strategic autonomy while continuing to navigate its complex relationships with both Western and Eastern powers. However, the move could complicate Turkey’s position within NATO, given the bloc’s alignment with Russia and China, nations often viewed as adversarial by the alliance.
The Kremlin has confirmed Turkey’s interest in joining BRICS, following reports suggesting that Ankara had formally applied for membership. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to these reports by stating, “Yes, Turkey is interested in joining BRICS. This is indeed the case.” Peskov also noted that Turkey had expressed its interest in joining the bloc long ago. The timing of these claims, during Russia’s presidency of BRICS, has drawn particular attention, especially as Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey, recently submitted its own membership application following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku. Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing for President Putin’s anticipated visit to Turkey, though a specific date has yet to be announced.
In 2018, during a BRICS summit in South Africa, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan suggested that Turkey could join the bloc, prompting public discourse about potential membership. However, this interest did not advance to a formal application.
