Civilizational choices: Turkey/Türkiye applied to join the BRICS group

Although I attempted to catch your eyes by stating “civilizational,” it might be more pragmatic. Changing regional relations, the EU’s hesitancy, Turkish domestic politics, etc., can all be listed in the choice. 

Turkey has indeed applied to join the BRICS group of emerging economies. Here’s a summary of the key information:

Application Confirmation

Multiple sources indicate that Turkey has formally applied for BRICS membership:

• A senior Kremlin official, Yuri Ushakov, confirmed that “Turkey has applied for full membership” and that BRICS will consider the application[1][6].
• Bloomberg reported that Turkey officially applied to join BRICS several months ago, citing anonymous sources[5][7].

Turkish Government Statements

While not explicitly confirming the application, Turkish officials have expressed strong interest in joining BRICS:

• Ömer Çelik, spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), stated that Turkey is “taking a step toward joining BRICS” but noted there was no concrete action yet[8].
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated “several times” that Turkey aspires to become a BRICS member[2].
• Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in June that Turkey would like to join BRICS[8].

Motivations and Context

Turkey’s interest in BRICS appears to be driven by several factors:

• A desire to enhance its international presence and global influence[1][5].
• Frustration with the lack of progress in EU membership talks[5][8].
• An aim to develop ties with both Eastern and Western blocs simultaneously[5][7].
• Potential economic benefits, including access to financing through the BRICS development bank[7][8].

Next Steps

The BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22-24, 2024, is expected to discuss the expansion of the group, including Turkey’s potential membership[1][5][7].

While there is strong evidence suggesting Turkey has applied to join BRICS, it’s worth noting that some Turkish officials have been cautious about confirming a formal application, instead emphasizing the country’s interest in membership.

Citations:
1. Turkish Minute – BRICS Countries Will Consider Turkey’s Application for Membership: Russian Presidential Aide
2. ABC News – Turkey to Join BRICS Bloc of Developing Economies, Official Confirms
3. Al-Monitor – Turkey, NATO Member, Submits Formal Application to Join BRICS
4. Turkish Minute – BRICS Countries Consider Turkey’s Application for Membership
5. IntelliNews – Turkey Reportedly Bidding for BRICS Membership
6. ABC News – Turkey Seeks to Join BRICS Bloc of Emerging Economies, Kremlin
7. Eurasia Business News – Bloomberg: Turkey Has Applied to Join BRICS
8. Daily Sabah – Russia Says BRICS Will Consider Türkiye’s Bid for Full Membership

What are the main reasons Turkey wants to join BRICS?

1. Economic Diversification: Turkey aims to broaden its economic interactions, access new markets, and enhance trade relations with major emerging economies[1][5]. This could help reduce Turkey’s economic dependence on Western countries and mitigate risks associated with that dependence[5].

2. Geopolitical Influence: Membership in BRICS would provide Turkey with a more prominent platform to influence global economic and political landscapes[5]. It aligns with Turkey’s ambition to play a more significant role in shaping international affairs[1].

3. Strategic Autonomy: Turkey seeks greater strategic autonomy in world politics[5]. Joining BRICS is seen as a way to diversify its foreign policy and navigate complex relationships with Western powers[7].

4. Alternative Financing: BRICS membership could provide Turkey access to alternative financing sources through the BRICS development bank[1][5].

5. Technological Access: Cooperation with technologically advanced countries like China and India could help Turkey gain access to cutting-edge technologies and innovations[1].

6. Frustration with Western Institutions: Turkey’s interest in BRICS is partly driven by frustration with the lack of progress in its EU membership talks and a desire to explore options outside the European bloc[3][5].

7. Multipolar World Order: Turkey sees BRICS as a platform to promote a more balanced and inclusive international order, aligning with its goal of fostering a multipolar world[5][7].

8. Complementary Platform: Turkish officials emphasize that they don’t view BRICS as an alternative to NATO or the EU, but rather as a complementary platform to navigate economic challenges and enhance Turkey’s global position[8].

It’s important to note that while Turkey has expressed strong interest in joining BRICS, there are conflicting reports about whether a formal application has been submitted. The situation appears to be evolving, with discussions expected to continue at the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia[3][4].

Citations:
1. News.az – Why Turkey Wants to Join BRICS
2. ABC News – Turkey to Join BRICS Bloc of Developing Economies, Official Confirms
3. Al-Monitor – Turkey, NATO Member, Submits Formal Application to Join BRICS
4. PBS – Turkey Applies to Join China and Russia in BRICS Economic Bloc, Kremlin Says
5. Middle East Eye – Why Turkey Wants to Join BRICS
6. Turkish Minute – BRICS Countries Consider Turkey’s Application for Membership
7. SETA – Türkiye’s Strategic Bid for BRICS Membership
8. Eurasia Business News – Bloomberg: Turkey Has Applied to Join BRICS

What are the potential challenges Turkey might face if it joins BRICS?

Turkey could face several potential challenges if it joins BRICS:

1. Strained relations with Western allies:

– Joining BRICS, which is often seen as a counterweight to Western-led institutions, could further strain Turkey’s already complex relationships with NATO allies and the European Union[1][6].
– It may raise concerns among Western partners about Turkey’s geopolitical alignment and commitment to existing alliances[6].

1. Balancing act complications:

– Turkey would need to carefully navigate its position between its NATO membership, EU aspirations, and new BRICS commitments[6].
– This balancing act could become more challenging as geopolitical tensions between BRICS countries (particularly Russia and China) and the West increase[6].

1. Economic policy alignment:

– Turkey may need to align its economic policies with those of BRICS countries, which could have different priorities and strategies[2].
– This alignment might require adjustments that could be challenging for Turkey’s current economic framework.

1. Limited economic benefits:

– Some Turkish officials have expressed doubts about the viability of BRICS membership, noting that Turkey doesn’t have significant trade with most BRICS countries except China[8].
– The potential economic benefits might not outweigh the costs of adapting to a new economic bloc[2].

1. Currency and trade challenges:

– BRICS’ focus on de-dollarization may conflict with Turkey’s existing agreements with regional countries for settlements in local currencies[8].
– Adapting to new trade and financial mechanisms within BRICS could be complex and potentially disruptive.

1. Domestic debate and opposition:

– There is an ongoing domestic debate in Turkey about BRICS membership, with critics raising concerns about potential drawbacks[2].
– Managing this internal discourse and potential opposition could be challenging for the Turkish government.

1. Institutional weaknesses of BRICS:

– The BRICS organization has been criticized for its institutional weaknesses, which could limit its ability to support Turkey’s economic growth or reduce its reliance on the U.S. dollar[5].

1. Potential conflict with Turkey’s normative agenda:

– Some critics worry that closer alignment with BRICS could undermine Turkey’s aspirations to promote certain norms and values in the international system[2].

1. Uncertainty about acceptance:

– Despite Turkey’s interest, there’s no guarantee that all BRICS members will support its membership bid[7].
– The process of joining and integrating into BRICS could be lengthy and complex.

These challenges highlight the complexity of Turkey’s potential BRICS membership and the careful consideration required to navigate its international relationships and economic interests.

Citations:
1. Medyascope – Turkey Eyes BRICS Membership Amid Global Influence Push
2. SETA – Türkiye’s Strategic Bid for BRICS Membership
3. News.az – Why Turkey Wants to Join BRICS
4. Daily Sabah – Türkiye and BRICS: Assessing Potential Mutual Economic Benefits
5. Stratfor – Turkey and BRICS: Far from a Political and Economic Panacea
6. France 24 – NATO Member Turkey’s Balancing Act: BRICS Bid, Russia, and China
7. Daily Sabah – Russia Says BRICS Will Consider Türkiye’s Bid for Full Membership
8. Middle East Eye – Why Turkey Wants to Join BRICS