Wed Sep 18 04:02:45 UTC 2024: ## Turkey Joins BRICS, Signaling Shift Away from Western Institutions
**Ankara, Turkey** – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global political landscape, Turkey has formally applied to join the BRICS group, becoming the first NATO member to do so. The decision underscores Turkey’s increasing disillusionment with Western institutions and its desire to forge stronger ties with the East.
This move comes after years of Turkey’s unsuccessful attempts to join the European Union, fueled by a perceived lack of willingness to accept a Muslim-majority nation within its ranks. Furthermore, Turkey has expressed frustration with what it considers to be Western limitations on its economic and military growth, citing instances like the U.S. blocking its acquisition of F-35 fighter jets.
Turkey’s interest in BRICS, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been growing for years. The group has gained momentum as a counterweight to Western dominance in global governance, and its expansion to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024 has further cemented its influence. BRICS also boasts its own development bank and a reserve arrangement, providing financial stability for its members.
Turkey’s strategic location, straddling Europe and Asia, makes it a crucial link between the East and the West. Its membership in BRICS would offer access to vast economic opportunities and a platform to amplify its geopolitical influence. Additionally, the move aligns with Turkey’s desire to assert its role as a rising power on the global stage.
While Turkey maintains its NATO membership and continues to conduct substantial trade with Europe, its decision to join BRICS signifies a profound shift in its foreign policy. This move could have significant repercussions for the existing global order and potentially mark the beginning of a “less Western” world, as the power balance continues to shift.
First Piper 