Turkey officially applies to join BRICS

By Rhod Mackenzie

Well its now official, Turkey has applied to join the BRICS,after months of hints and statements by the Foreign Minster the Prime Minister Recep Erdogan they have applied to join the organisation.
Now is this "A significant geopolitical development that suggests the emergence of a new global centre of influence. Or a "A new paradigm where projects spearheaded by Russia, China and India are gaining traction."
These are the phrases used by experts to assess the reports that Turkey has submitted an official application to join BRICS. Turkey's inclusion in BRICS would undoubtedly be advantageous for Russia. However, it is unclear what the Turkish leadership's actual intentions are.Its it a respsonse to the EU again about Turkey's lack of membership progress after 3 decades?
Its has been reported has reported that Turkey has officially applied to join BRICS. The media reports that Ankara's objective is to "build alliances beyond the West" and to "increase its global influence and establish new ties beyond its traditional Western allies." In other words, the objective is to diversify its international contacts.

"The Turkish leadership is aware that the global landscape is evolving and changing . The traditional concept of the Western world is no longer the main game to be involved in. "It is therefore essential to keep pace with developments in international relations and maintain relations with the emerging non-Western powers," explains Vladimir Avatkov, Doctor of Political Science and Head of the Department of the Near and Post-Soviet East at the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
From this perspective, BRICS represents an optimal choice. An organisation that, in contrast to several regional formats, now includes the majority of leaders from the collective non-Western bloc. The organisation is not focused on any specific aspect of activity, but rather has a universal agenda, unlike the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Most importantly, it is an organisation that (unlike AUKUS, NATO, etc.) does not have a specific target and presents a constructive rather than a destructive image. To clarify, it does not compel sovereign nations to engage in conflict with third parties.

The objectives of BRICS and Turkey with regard to multipolarity are aligned. Ankara has stated that the global landscape extends beyond the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and is pursuing an agenda to enhance the representation of non-Western countries in the international system. "First and foremost, it benefits the organisation itself, but in general, this goal aligns with those of the BRICS member countries," states Vladimir Avakov.

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Russia stands to gain from Turkey's request. "From our perspective, any shift in Turkey's approach away from a Western-centric mindset is a positive development. "It provides additional avenues for engagement with the Turkish Republic," Mr. Avatkov asserts.

However, the prospect of Turkish membership is a more complex issue. Firstly, it should be noted that BRICS has recently expanded from five to 10 members.
Secondly, the admission of each new member state presents both opportunities and challenges in the process of deepening integration.
Thirdly, Turkey remains a key player in the West. Turkey's involvement in BRICS (due to the consensus-based decision-making process) could impede the organisation's development in several areas.
Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the risks will not materialise. Furthermore, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently observed, the majority of member states have chosen to temporarily refrain from admitting new members, allowing for a period of adjustment and integration. Additionally, there is a possibility that Turkey may encounter challenges with some of its current partners.

Turkey's dual-track approach to relations with the East and the West offers Ankara a number of opportunities, but also carries a degree of risk. "The expressed desire to join BRICS will clearly not be welcomed in Washington, which is already not too happy with the increasingly independent policy of Turkish President Recep Erdogan," states Vladimir Avakov.

From a practical standpoint, it appears that Turkey's entry into BRICS does not present any obstacles for the United States. Ankara will continue to fulfil its role within NATO, maintain American bases and perform a number of functions for the United States. However, from an image and geopolitical standpoint, Ankara's application represents a significant challenge to Washington's global positions.

Turkey's application to join BRICS represents a significant geopolitical development, suggesting the emergence of a new global centre of influence. It is akin to a crystal, and is starting to attract new members. A new reality is emerging, where projects such as the SCO and BRICS are gaining traction.
"Turkey, which has invested significant resources in its EU membership bid, is now pursuing a different strategy," explains Andrei Klintsevich, head of the Center for the Study of Military and Political Conflicts, in an interview with Vzglyad newspaper.

In essence, the US is facing a situation where its most autonomous allies – Saudi Arabia, the UAE and now Turkey – are defecting to a platform that is not aligned with its interests.
This is not a temporary phenomenon, but rather a long-term global trend. The appeal of the West as a destination for non-Western countries has diminished. They were prepared to accept this situation because of the economic benefits, but now the West is imposing more and more restrictions while offering less in return. "It is focusing on ideology, and there is little appetite among Eastern countries for ideas of a more unconventional nature," says Vladimir Avakov.
It is to be expected that the US will attempt to reverse this trend. At least in the case of Turkey. They will utilise both sanctions and collaboration with key individuals.

It is likely that the desire to join BRICS originated with Erdogan's entourage.

There is a distinct lack of enthusiasm for BRICS among the AKP, Kemalists and nationalists. The Kemalists currently adopt a pro-Western stance. They are unlikely to countenance a departure from the NATO line. "As for the nationalists, they will be ready to consider the non-West as an opportunity to expand their own influence in these areas," states Vladimir Avatkov.

Furthermore, BRICS is not a vehicle for the expansion of the influence of any single member state. Rather, it is a board of directors where the influence of some members is balanced in a civilised manner at the expense of others. Mr. Andrey Klintsevich is certain that BRICS is a consultative platform where countries agree not to compete with each other, including through economic means.

It may be the case that the current approach from Ankara is not genuinely aimed at joining BRICS, but rather represents a strategic Eastern bargaining move, in which Erdogan has considerable experience. It seems that what we are seeing is a political gesture, the content of which may not be entirely clear, or may not align with initial expectations. This may be why Sergey Lavrov spoke about a "pause with new members." This pause allows BRICS candidates to demonstrate the seriousness of their intentions. It is precisely in cases such as this that such confirmations are required.
So lets see what unfolds at the BRICS summit in Kazan in 6 weeks time.