In a significant display of defiance against Western powers, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a fiery address during the ongoing BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, advocating for an arms embargo against Israel. As a radical Islamist and NATO ally, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s intention to deepen its ties with the anti-American coalition formed by the BRICS member states. Originally founded as an anti-Western bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has recently expanded to include new members such as Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the UAE. This summit marks a turning point as it has welcomed numerous friendly nations, hinting at a broader ambition for the coalition to challenge the established international order dominated by the U.S.
The overarching goal of BRICS is to serve as a counterbalance to the U.S.-led global system and its institutions like the G7 and NATO. In the lead-up to the summit, discussions focused on diminishing reliance on the U.S. dollar for trade among member states and solidifying cultural and economic ties. Additionally, there was considerable dialogue surrounding the influx of countries interested in joining BRICS, highlighting a potential shift towards a two-tiered membership system — an official membership and a new category of “BRICS Plus” or “BRICS partners.” Turkey’s overt interest in joining BRICS has signified a notable shift, as it stands as the first NATO member to pursue this alliance seriously.
During his address, Erdogan criticized the post-World War II political and financial systems as inadequate in addressing contemporary global challenges. Expressing unwavering faith in the BRICS collective, he argued that it strengthens the foundation for a fairer global order focused on trade, economic growth, and sustainable development. His invocation of phrases like “mutual respect and win-win” aligned closely with the rhetoric typically espoused by the Chinese Communist Party, reflecting the growing influence of China within BRICS. Erdogan’s remarks have underscored Turkey’s desire for collaboration rooted in respect and shared benefits among member states.
The primary focus of Erdogan’s address was an attack on Israel’s military actions against Hamas, following the group’s brutal terrorist assault on October 7, 2023. He condemned Israel’s response as excessive and claimed it constituted “genocide.” Echoing echoes of past criticisms of Israel, he called for an arms embargo while advocating in favor of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Erdogan’s unwavering support for Hamas, which he refuses to label as a terrorist organization, reflects his broader strategy to position Turkey as a leading voice in the Middle East, particularly among nations that resist Western influence.
Turkey’s engagement with a coalition filled with nations known for human rights violations has raised concerns within Western circles. As Ankara seeks to formally join BRICS, Erdogan has insisted that pursuing ties with BRICS does not negate Turkey’s commitments to NATO. He declared that both alliances can coexist without conflict. This stance has prompted NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to affirm Turkey’s significance within the alliance, highlighting its strategic military capabilities and compliance with defense spending requirements. Rutte’s comments illustrate that, while Turkey’s interest in BRICS may raise eyebrows, it remains a valued member of NATO.
In conclusion, Erdogan’s speech at the BRICS summit captures the essence of a transformational moment for Turkey’s foreign policy, as it seeks alignment with a bloc founded on opposition to Western dominance. While he decries longstanding global mechanisms as obsolete, Erdogan’s ardent support for BRICS aims to position Turkey as a pivotal player in shaping a new world order. The dual membership pursuit in NATO and BRICS raises complex questions about the dynamics of international alliances and the potential implications for global geopolitics in an age defined by shifting power balances. As both blocs navigate their unique goals, the future of international relations could be shaped significantly by developments stemming from this summit.
