Flags of BRICS countries with Turkey's flag in the center

The acronym BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, five major emerging economies. In this manner, these countries work together economically, politically and in a cultural form, in the growth of each other and in the process to influence the world and its governance. Earlier, Pakistan had expressed its keenness to become a member of BRICS and now Turkey has evinced similar interest. What is the logic and thinking behind Turkey’s ambitions to become a BRICS member, what are the upsides and challenges, and what are the broader geo-political implications?

Map showing the geopolitical positioning of BRICS nations and Turkey

The Rise of BRICS

Historical Background

BRICS came about in 2009 with the first four members – Brazil, Russia, India, and China. That was the piece that completed the current ensemble in 2010 but South Africa doesn’t fit here. The group aims to promote peace, security and development in member countries, to create a more equitable and balanced global economic order.

BRICS was formed because emerging markets wanted more voice in international financial institutions and global economic governance. They wanted a greater voice to challenge the G7 and other Western-dominated institutions. BRICS has gradually evolved into a notable player on the world stage in both political and economic aspects, it now collectively accounts for more than 40% of the world’s population and about 25% of global GDP.

Economic Significance

Together, these nations account for more than 40 percent of the global population and over 20 percent of both the global GDP and global land mass. They helped spur world economic growth and cooperation on trade, investment, and infrastructure. The New Development Bank (NDB) – established by the latoto BRICS bloc in 2014 – is envisioned offer loans, guarantees and equity for public and private projects.

The soft power of the BRICS by and large exceeds its hard power. Rich in minerals, home to vast and still-expanding consumer markets, and gaining significance in global supply chains, these countries are the next growth story. Their partnership could redefine the ways global trade is conducted, the direction of investment and economic relations between nations.

Turkey’s Aspirations

Economic Motivations

This suggests Turkish interest in BRICS membership seems to be more economically motivated. Turkey, which is one of the main markets as an emerging economy, wants to build up a diversified portfolio of trade partners and decrease its reliance on its traditional markets located in the West side. Membership of BRICS would expand the market and trade get augmented, and attract more investments from fellow members.

Turkey has been known for its robust growth in economy over the past decades, but also suffered from delaying growth, inflation, volatile currency, and political stability. For Turkey, one of them could be that it wants to stabilize/streamline its economic future by joining in the BRICS group. It is a predominantly Christian country and is geopolitically important as it is located behind the Black Sea and at a crossroads of Europe and Asia, with control of trade and energy transit routes.

Political Considerations

Turkey, politically, is seeking to expand its influence internationally. BRICS membership would let Turkey be involved with the development of global economic policies, and also would strengthen its geopolitical role, he added. Also, if Turkey mixes with BRICS nations as its counterbalance to obvious tension with western states.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey has looked to carve out an increasingly independent and influential foreign policy for his country. This strategy dovetails with BRICS membership, which provides Turkey with a platform to work together with other major emerging market countries and diminish its dependence on the Western bloc. The action is a broader means to an end for a Turley seeking to make other countries extra dependent on it, as well as more brazen about applying its voice to global affairs.

Strategic Goals

A lot depends on the strategic plans of Turkey, as far as its entry into BRICS is concerned. Sri Lanka’s unique location has encouraged it to market itself as a link between Europe and Asia. Participation in BRICS will enable Turkey to strengthen its position in the regional market in transportation, energy and logistics.

It has invested in connectivity and logistical prowess (e.g. with the new Istanbul airport, the Eurasia Tunnel, the Marmaray rail project). So the investment will be completely in line with Turkey’s goal of becoming a major player in the global trade network. Uncategorized Joining BRICS would Serve as a Complement Uncategorized Joining BRICS would Serve as a Complement by Vida Arbex- October 26, 2020

Benefits of Joining BRICS

Enhanced Trade Opportunities

Being a member of BRICS would give Turkey the opportunity to trade more with the members This can result in a huge increase in exports and an increased contribution to the GDP through the form of imports leading the economy to grow via higher exports and imports of BRICS countries.

Given the importance of trade to the Turkish economy, closer commercial relations with the BRICS states could help the Turkish economy. Turkey, for example, may increase its exports of textiles, machinery, and agricultural produces to BRICS markets. In addition to this, it could also pave the way for diversity in Turkey’s supply chain by allowing further imports from other BRICS nations instead of being reliant on a single region.

Investment and infrastructure build-up

The state-controlled New Development Bank could invest in infrastructure and development projects in Turkey. Turkey would benefit from resources of the BRICS to build mega infrastructure, regional connectivity and boost economic development.

The New Development Bank for BRICS countries makes an emphasis financing of infrastructure and sustainable development projects in the member countries. These needs for global funding for such key infrastructure initiatives, including transportation networks, energy projects and urban development, could be more accessible via the inclusion of Turkey energy to these fund schemes, fulfilling needs and intends to long term investments of the global markets. This would increase the economic self-sufficiency and competitive strength of Turkey.

Positive Impact On Political Influence

For Turkey, the creation of such a new institution is critical for enhancing its political influence in the world and having more say in the global economic governance as a BRICS member. That influence would allow Turkey to better represent its interests and reach common ground on major international matters.

If Turkey can join this block, then you will be able to talk to the world from the table of such topics as : global economic policy, trade regulations and development stategies. It would provide further scope for cooperation with other member countries in confronting common challenges climate change, poverty and regional conflicts. That would enhance Turkey’s diplomatic leverage and serve its strategic goals.

Challenges and Concerns

A Platform for Collaboration with BRICS Nations

The latter may prove to be one of the biggest stumbling blocks for Turkey when it comes to bringing its economic and political policies in line with those of already established BRICS members. Turkey poses its own challenges as each country has own set of priorities and interests to be protected; hence, is complicating the peripheral integration of Turkey with the group of countries.

In this day and age, the BRICS countries are not nearly as similar to one another as they would have previously been or are often presented. The thing is, it may need some serious diplomacy to find those commonalities and build cooperation. Navigating these variances in trade policies, investment regulations, and geopolitical interests will be a challenge for Turkey. Turkey will need to work on developing trust and collaboration within the group if it is to be seriously integrated into the framework of the Shanghai Pact.

Geopolitical Implications

If Turkey joined BRICS, that would cause a serious change in the geopolitics of the world. It could shift power balances between the members and affect Western perceptions of Turkey, especially in the US and within the EU. … something that would require very delicate diplomacy and strategizing…

The alignment of Turkey with BRICS as a member may be interpreted as moving away from its former Western allies. This can lead to tensions in the relationships of the country with NATO and the European Union and even increase the level of geopolitical conflicts. However, at the same time, Turkey can use the position in BRICS as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Western countries. Thus, the balancing of alignments and avoidance of conflicts will become a critical aspect of foreign policy for Turkey. Economic stability.

The concern may be the current stability of the Turkish economy. In recent years, the country faced instability because of high inflation, fluctuations of the currency, and uncertainty about the power relationships. To make the acceptance in BRICS, Turkey should prove its stable economy and readiness to resist the potential failures. To prove economic credibility, Turkey must eliminate economic weaknesses and implement reforms that would result in economic growth and stability. It can be done by controlling the inflation rate and stabilizing the currency, as well as by improving the conditions of investments.

The economic policy of the country should show the evidence of sustainability and sustainability development prospects. Global reactions. Reactions of BRICS members. The formal response of existing BRICS members to the expressed interest of Turkey in joining the alliance has not been published. Countries might approach the idea from the perspective of potential benefits and threats that the membership of Turkey would bring. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will evaluate the economic value of Turkey, its geopolitical position, and the perspectives of alignment. Members of BRICS have their interests and goals, and dedicated negotiation might be required.

Economic growth chart with BRICS countries and Turkey highlighted

Western Response

The West, especially the US and Europe, might look at Turkey diversifying towards BRICS with suspicion. Further it underlines that efforts by nations such as Turkey – a country which the report shows is moving towards an anti-western power block – may further deepen tensions which could impact existing partnerships.

The United States and European Union are Turkey’s historically most important allies and trade partners. Turkey becoming a part of BRICS is, in fact, akin to a strategic shift; and the Western influence on Ankara is being seriously threatened. The consequences may include diplomatic and economic ramifications ranging from trade disputes, sanctions or reductions in foreign aid. Control of these relationships and avoiding possible conflicts will be one of the most important points in the future of Turkish foreign policy.

Broader Implications

Movement in global economic power

By contrast, if Turkey joins the BRICS, it would represent a further re-distribution of global economic power to emerging economies. This would emphasize that in the future, emerging countries outside the West are having more and more power over world economic governance.

The country would have also added to the economic and geopolitical strength of the BRICS with Turkey in their ranks. These movements in power control have the potential to push back against the traditional Western hegemony that continues to guide global economic institutions and decision-making. It could result in a world order that is more multipolar, with greater involvement of emerging economies in making the rules of global economic governance.

Above Average South-South Cooperation

Membership of Turkey would boost South-South cooperation among the developing nations. This may in turn result in all-inclusive as well as more level headed economic growth globally as it may also help to arrest the growing disparities between the developed and the developing world essentially.

BRICS is an important channel for promoting South-South cooperation, for promoting trade, investment and knowledge sharing between the countries of the South. With Turkey’s inclusion this will be also further enhanced and assist in shaping a more participative and balanced global economy. It might further encourage other nations of the world to strive for closer cooperation and integration through the global economy.

Regional Stability

Integration of Turkey in BRICS, would enhance regionally cooperation and its importance to bring stability by inducing economic interdependence. The document may even track larger entities in the region to pursue the same alliances, fostering a more collaborative and economically thriving environment in the region.

Turkey being a member of the BRICS could be anything but negative, as it may lead to a positive case of spillover for regional stability and cooperation. Improved economic connectivity and cooperation within BRICS could help security and development in the region at large. This will also inspire the various adjoining countries in the Middle East and Eurasia to garner their support as well, and thereby create an environment of mutual cooperation, along with economic prosperity in the region.

Countering Misinformation

The Role of Media

The dissemination of the viral video reflects the salient influence of media on public perception and opinion. Newsrooms should always, always try to verify that footage before sharing it. This entails seeking out key informants, fact-checking news, and achieving an equitable level of reporting.

The media is a major contributor of forming public opinion and the perception of world issues. Good reporting is paramount when we consider where Turkey stands within the umbrella of the BRICS. Media should report not just on the motivations, desirability, and challenges of Turkish membership, but also the wider geopolitical implications. This could establish the ground work for intelligent debate in the public domain leading to an intricate understanding of the issue.

Government And Defense Communications

Transparency from government and military organizations is essential to combat the rumors. Getting out ahead of it with timely accurate information can help prevent more false narratives from spinning out and keep the public trust. This includes addressing concerns and dispelling rumours as well as categorically detailing what is being done to improve defences.

It is the role of governments and of military organizations as well to provide the general population with the truth, and in a timely fashion. Given this, in the case of Turkey, if the country seeks to become one of the BRICS, it will require concise communication to dispel such miscommunications that would scare off the other BRICS and feed misinformation to the West. It also includes regular reporting on Turkey’s application for EU membership, any strategic dimensions or consequences, and finally – why Turkey will or will not be good for both Turkey and the neighbourhood.

Future of BRICS

Expansion and Inclusivity

Turkey As A Potential BRICS Member: Future Of The BRICS And Inclusiveness Increasing its membership should prompt BRICS to reflect upon the consequences of its own enlargement. This would involve a consideration of the economic and geopolitical implications of admitting new members as well as the opportunities as well adversities that come along with having a larger, more varied group.

BRICS enlargement, BRICS expansion in English But it will also mean much more care in deciding how far newcomers’ economic and political policies are in line with those of existing members. BRICS will of course face serious challenges when it comes to building consensus and fostering effective cooperation in the context of a larger and more diverse group.

Innovations and Research

This viral video can be a trigger of much more innovations and thoughts about missile defense. Developing new propellants, fabrics interception techniques, etc. Joint efforts by nation-states and private-sector partners could help the progress of advanced defense systems for the future.

The collective innovation and research that could arise if Turkey was included in BRICS. That also includes technological advances, infrastructural rebuilds, and development sustainably. More important, an inclusive BRICS-Turkey cooperation could devise innovative approaches to common problems like climate change, poverty or regional conflicts.

Policy and Strategy

The incident may offer an occasion to re-examine defense policies and strategies. It entails revisiting threat assessments, modifying defense doctrines and re-prioritizing investments in certain areas. This requires that policymakers identify the most important current needs, and then balance between addressing those urgent needs and maintaining readiness and long-term preparedness for future threats.

Membership in a new club BRICS : Turkey-Un, is going to necessitate a complete revision of its foreign policy and strategic goals. That may mean weighing the blowback against its relationships with Western nations or a risk to its broader geopolitical objectives. As it moves forward, Turkey will have to balance immediate needs with long-term goals, and in doing so, will have to ensure that it will also be watchful of the clouds on the horizon, because the global agenda seems to be changing rapidly.

Flags of BRICS countries with Turkey's flag in the center

Conclusion

Turkey wants to join BRICS, seeing it comprise one of its strategic frameworks to provide more support of economic interest to allow a greater voice in the political world and to achieve strategic results as needed. Though the rewards are great in the form of increased trade, infrastructure investment, and political influence, so too the challenges, not to mention the great power geopolitical stakes.

The question of whether or not to add Turkey to BRICS will have to be considered carefully by the proponents of this group, as it also affects a global economic and political range of events. If Turkey does walk this tightrope, a membership in BRICS only heightens the march of history all the more, by emphasizing the fact that emerging economies are becoming more relevant facets of the world order. If you like reading this article then please consider reading our article about Scooby-Doo.

About The Author