Turkey Wants to Join BRICS

Turkey has formally submitted an application to become a member of BRICS, an alliance of developing nations that was founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Turkey has confirmed that its application is being considered, and the nation is waiting to be approved for membership. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has publicly backed Turkey's desire to join.

BRICS: An Association From Growing Economies

• BRICS is a group of 5 leading emerging economies of the world, working together to trade and economic development.
• It is largely a project focused on promoting the economic development of all its constituent members rather than forming common security or foreign policy.
• BRICS enlargement now includes Egypt, Ethiopia Iran and UAE and has attracted interest from another 20+ countries to join.

Challenges Turkey will Face In Becoming the EU Member

• Turkey's timeline to join the EU has been dragged for a very long time now as it failed to meet any democratic values and governance standards after 2018.
• Changing times: rights and governance concerns in respect of Turkey make EU application more problematic 
• Turkey might be trying to signal to the EU that it has other options due, but pursuing closer ties with the BRICS will harm its international reputation in longer-term alignments.

Possible Risks

• Put it bluntly, if Turkey joins BRICS the EU and NATO would be suspicious whether to trust and work together with their ally.

About BRICS

• BRICS- Brazil, Russia, India,China, South Africa; About 40% of World population & 25% share in global economy.