Are the BRICS and Their New Development Bank Offering Alternatives to the World Bank, the IMF and the Policies Promoted by the Traditional Imperialist Powers?
CounterPunchAPR 2024
Putin 'Fully Supports' Turkey Joining BRICS+
Image copyright: Presidential Executive Office of Russia via Wikimedia Commons
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
It's only natural that Turkey has a strategic interest in joining the BRICS+ as they represent a shift in global power dynamics. The West may view this with suspicion, but Turkey does not see the BRICS+ as an alternative to NATO or the EU, but the stalled EU accession process is forcing Turkey to explore alternatives. Turkey is keen to create a network of relations that complements its Western ties, and compared to the G7, the BRICS+ represents the future of multilateralism.
Pro-establishment narrative
It comes as no surprise that Putin is keen to welcome Turkey into the BRICS+, as he is seeking to lend the alliance additional geopolitical weight in tandem with China. But the headlines distort reality. Turkey has a Customs Union with the EU and so far Ankara has neither formally applied for BRICS membership nor officially declared that it wants to join the bloc. Turkey may be looking for new cooperation opportunities, but Ankara — a powerful NATO member — is well-advised not to alienate the West.