FOCUS on NATO Tensions Caused by Türkiye Bid to Join BRICS 

FOCUS on NATO Tensions Caused by Türkiye Bid to Join BRICS 

Madeline Kruszczynski

Digital Editor

In recent years, Türkiye has navigated complex diplomatic relationships, balancing its historical alliance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) while forging a new relationship with Russia—a key member of the BRICS bloc—founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—and a frequent adversary of many NATO nations. This evolving dynamic began to develop on February 3, 2024, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting, as reported by the Russian government, marked a moment in the deepening economic and social ties between the two nations. The conversation did not go unnoticed on the global stage, and by September 4, 2024, the situation intensified when Turkey’s application for BRICS membership was announced by The Associated Press. This development presents NATO member states with a critical question; either to view Türkiye’s BRICS bid as a potential threat to the cohesion of the alliance or to explore it as an opportunity for bridging the gap between BRICS and NATO. This analysis will examine the implications of Türkiye’s shifting alliances and assess how NATO might respond to this new geopolitical reality.

Türkiye joined the NATO forces in 1952, marking a significant alignment with the Western bloc during the Cold War, reflecting a decision to strengthen its security in the face of Soviet expansion, according to the NATO website. As NATO’s second-largest army, Türkiye has long been a cornerstone of the alliance, as noted by The Republic of Türkiye. However, Türkiye’s recent bid to join the BRICS bloc underscores its increasingly complex relationship with Russia, a key BRICS member. Russia’s role as a major supplier of natural gas—meeting over 50 percent of Türkiye’s energy needs—and the controversial purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system in 2019 highlights a growing sentiment in Türkiye’s government to prioritize the nation’s relationship with Russia over NATO protocols, reports The Wilson Center. This acquisition sparked significant friction between Türkiye and its NATO allies, particularly the United States. NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander at the time, General Curtis Scaparrotti, emphasized the concerns, warning that “an ally working with Russian systems, particularly air-defense systems, is a problem for our most advanced technological capabilities,” as reported by Brookings.

Türkiye’s recent bid to join the BRICS alliance has brought the group into a further stage for global discussion. Some critics, as reported by France24, dismiss BRICS as merely a “talking shop”, while others see the alliance as a way for developing nations to eventually outperform the Western states. The term BRICS, first coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, initially identified nations with increasing populations and significant economic growth potential. Under the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin, BRICS evolved from an informal group into a strategic alliance aimed at challenging the dominance of the U.S. and its Western allies, according to Reuters. Since its establishment, the bloc has expanded significantly, incorporating Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as official members. More than 40 other nations are now seeking membership, drawn by the promise of enhanced development finance and new investment opportunities, as noted by Reuters. Türkiye’s interest in BRICS aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen economic ties with Russia and other member states, reflecting a desire for economic growth and expanded global influence. Türkiye’s desire for economic support from Russia and the BRICS nations, alongside its reliance on NATO’s strong defensive capabilities, presents a delicate balancing act for the country.

Türkiye has a successful history of navigating delicate diplomatic relationships, from its role as a mediator in the successful grain deal between Russia and Ukraine, reports another Reuters article, to its involvement in negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia. However, the current balancing act Türkiye is performing—staying true to its commitments to NATO while seeking to join BRICS—has implications that affect not only the nation itself but also the broader dynamics of NATO and the BRICS bloc. As Türkiye anticipates its potential membership in BRICS, the full impact on global geopolitics remains to be seen. The outcome of this dynamic will shape the future of international alliances and influence the strategic landscape for years to come.

Image courtesy of Getty Images