At this week’s BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored Türkiye’s longstanding interest in joining the BRICS alliance. As the sole NATO member exploring membership in this predominantly non-Western organization, Türkiye’s pursuit of BRICS reflects Ankara’s shifting foreign policy stance toward strategic autonomy and economic multipolarity. Erdogan’s attendance conveyed Türkiye’s intentions and hinted at a broader message to its Western allies, particularly NATO and the EU, as it navigates its own path in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Türkiye’s primary motivations for aligning with BRICS are rooted in economic considerations. The current BRICS nations-Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa-recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, strengthening the organization’s economic and political footprint. Türkiye, as a regional middle power and a G20 member, stands to benefit from joining BRICS by enhancing economic cooperation with emerging markets in energy, trade, and development. As Türkiye grapples with ongoing financial challenges, closer ties with BRICS could provide an alternative to its traditional economic partners, potentially stabilizing its economy by diversifying trade routes and investment sources.

Economic cooperation with BRICS members also aligns with Türkiye’s broader national interest. Türkiye has already pursued joint initiatives with BRICS members, particularly with China and Russia, indicating Ankara’s readiness to further strengthen these relationships. This partnership is significant because it offers Türkiye access to non-Western financial institutions, such as the New Development Bank, which could support major infrastructure and development projects in Türkiye.

Türkiye’s pursuit of BRICS membership reflects a wider foreign policy reorientation. While Ankara remains a........

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