Applying strategic autonomy: Ankara’s quest for BRICS membership

In early 2024, the alliance of states known under the acronym BRICS grew from five (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) to nine members. The integration of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates constituted the second enlargement of the alliance which was founded in 2006 and incorporated South Africa in 2010. Since 2024 the acronym BRICS+ applies.

BRICS+ is a work in progress, including its size. Soon, the alliance could cast double-digit membership numbers. Two southeast Asian states - Malaysia and Thailand - recently applied. In August Azerbaijan tabled its application and in September Turkey officially listed its intention to join BRICS+. Other countries such as Serbia and Indonesia are considering the option of joining the intergovernmental alliance. Saudi Arabia has been invited to join the grouping, but is not (yet) a formal member. In short, the...