Turkey BRICS: Membership Bid Rejected
Turkey‘s BRICS Ambitions face Setback: What It Means for Ankara and the Global South
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As of July 7, 2025, the global economic landscape continues to shift, with the BRICS economic bloc – comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – playing an increasingly prominent role. Recent developments, though, have dealt a blow to Turkey’s aspirations of joining this influential group, at least for the immediate future. This article delves into the reasons behind this setback,the implications for Turkey’s foreign policy,and the broader context of BRICS expansion and its impact on the Global South.
Understanding Turkey’s BRICS Pursuit
Turkey has long expressed a strong interest in becoming a full member of BRICS. This desire stems from a multifaceted strategy aimed at diversifying its economic and political partnerships, reducing its reliance on Western institutions, and enhancing its influence on the world stage.Ankara views BRICS as a platform to promote a more multipolar world order and to advocate for the interests of developing nations.
The Appeal of BRICS for Turkey
Several factors contribute to Turkey’s attraction to BRICS. Firstly, the bloc represents a significant and growing share of the global economy, offering access to vast markets and investment opportunities. Secondly, BRICS nations frequently enough share similar perspectives on international issues, such as reforming global governance structures and challenging the dominance of conventional Western powers. Thirdly, Turkey’s own economic trajectory and its increasing role as a regional power align with the BRICS narrative of emerging economies shaping the future.
Previous Attempts and Expectations
Turkey formally applied to join the New Advancement Bank (NDB), the BRICS-backed multilateral development institution, in 2018. This move was seen as a precursor to a potential full membership bid. Expectations were further fueled by Turkey’s close ties with several BRICS members, particularly Russia and China. However, despite ongoing dialog and expressions of support, a concrete invitation to join the bloc has not materialized.
Why Turkey’s Bid Was Paused
the recent BRICS summit, held in June 2025, revealed that Turkey’s membership request is currently on hold. Several interconnected factors contributed to this decision.
Geopolitical Considerations
A primary obstacle is the complex geopolitical landscape.While some BRICS members, like Russia and China, are keen to see Turkey join, others, notably India and Brazil, harbor reservations.India, in particular, has concerns about Turkey’s perceived support for pakistan and its role in regional conflicts. Brazil, while seeking closer ties with Turkey, prioritizes maintaining strong relationships with its traditional Western partners.
economic Criteria and Concerns
Beyond geopolitical factors, economic considerations also played a role. BRICS has been increasingly focused on strengthening its own economic cohesion and ensuring that new members align with its economic goals. Concerns have been raised about Turkey’s economic vulnerabilities, including high inflation, currency fluctuations, and a relatively high level of foreign debt. These factors may have led BRICS members to question Turkey’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the bloc’s economic development.
Prioritization of Other Candidates
The BRICS summit saw the inclusion of new members – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates - signaling a strategic shift in the bloc’s expansion priorities.These nations were deemed to offer greater immediate economic and political benefits to BRICS, possibly overshadowing Turkey’s candidacy temporarily. The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in particular, highlights BRICS’s focus on strengthening ties with major energy producers.
Implications for Turkey’s Foreign Policy
the pause in Turkey’s BRICS bid has significant implications for ankara’s foreign policy.
Re-evaluation of Strategic Partnerships
Turkey will likely need to re-evaluate its strategic partnerships and explore alternative avenues for diversifying its economic and political relationships. This could involve strengthening ties with other emerging economies, such as Indonesia, Mexico, or Nigeria. It may also necessitate a more proactive approach to engaging with regional organizations, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Potential for Increased Western Engagement
The setback could also prompt Turkey to seek a more constructive dialogue with Western powers. While Ankara remains committed to an independent foreign policy, recognizing the importance of maintaining good relations with the United States and the European Union could become a higher priority. This doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning its pursuit of a multipolar world, but rather adopting a more pragmatic approach to balancing its relationships with different global actors.