Türkiye, a NATO member positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has officially applied for full membership in BRICS. This application, as revealed by senior Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov, marks a notable shift in Türkiye’s foreign policy alignment. BRICS, an alliance initially founded by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2006, with South Africa joining in 2010, aims to challenge the Western-dominated global order. Türkiye’s move to join this bloc highlights its strategy to diversify its global alliances and enhance its influence on the international stage.

Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has pursued an independent foreign policy, striving to balance relationships with both Western and Eastern powers. Erdoğan has articulated a vision of Türkiye navigating a middle path between the two spheres, a strategy he reiterated last week by stating that Türkiye should “simultaneously” develop relations with both the East and the West. This approach reflects Erdoğan’s long-term ambition to bolster Türkiye’s geopolitical flexibility.

Türkiye’s aspirations to join the European Union (EU) have encountered significant obstacles. Negotiations, which commenced in 2005, have stalled due to concerns over Türkiye’s democratic backsliding, ongoing disputes with Cyprus (an EU member), and various human rights issues. This stagnation has prompted Türkiye to seek alternative alliances, and BRICS presents an appealing option for expanding its global influence.

BRICS is increasingly seen as a counterbalance to Western-dominated international institutions such as........

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