By Dr. Mustafa ÖZTOP
2024 was a year of intense search for change in world politics. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS continued their expansion trend at their summit meetings this year. The European Political Community held the fifth of its biannual meetings in Hungary, which started in 2022. The Organization of Turkic States decided to take steps to strengthen cooperation and integration processes. The unilateral pro-Israeli stance in the Gaza genocide, its tendency to continue the war in the Russia-Ukraine War, and its veto of processes such as the ceasefire in Palestine at the UN Security Council have increased reactions against the US.
Against such a backdrop, the BRICS summit attracted attention for its potential and efforts to make an economic breakthrough against the US dollar. The BRICS Summit, which took place in Kazan, was attended by 36 countries, 24 of which were heads of state. This participation was important in showing what the West has achieved in its efforts to isolate Russia. The fact that the summit, which attracted attention against the US dollar despite the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, brought together so many countries can be considered as one of the indicators of the distrust of the US worldwide, even though the US exerts pressure on Russia. At the summit, where multilateralism was emphasized, it was seen that the West’s policies of isolating Russia did not yield the expected results. All countries are on high alert. No matter how much energy Russia has lost in the invasion of Ukraine, it is now clear to everyone that there are also costs to proceeding in line with the US’s directions and appearing to be on the side of the US alone.
There has been a development regarding Türkiye’s BRICS membership. BRICS made an official invitation for Türkiye to become an associate member of the organization. It has long been rumored that there are different opinions within the organization regarding the expansion of BRICS. In this sense, the associate membership offered to Türkiye has a different status than the full membership. It is said that India plays a role in the attitude towards Türkiye. Moreover, the rapid expansion of BRICS will bring some handicaps for the organization. In particular, the membership of rival countries with different views may negatively affect the decision-making processes of the organization in the coming years.
For these reasons, Türkiye should focus more on organizations where it is at the center. The world is in a new search. Many countries do not have enough confidence in the Western bloc led by the US, nor in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization led by China, nor in the BRICS, where Russia’s influence is prominent, nor in the EU, which is composed of European countries. For this reason, many countries want to diversify their relations and sail to new safe harbors. In this respect, Türkiye should combine its political, historical, geographical, cultural, cultural, and diplomatic capabilities and increase its organizational initiatives with Türkiye at the center. It should take initiatives for an Organization of Muslim States like the Organization of Turkic States. Subsequently, it should already make plans for an organization that will be a safe harbor with other regions of the world and, ultimately throughout the world.
On the other hand, recently re-elected US President Donald Trump threatened the BRICS countries with 100 percent tariffs if they create a new currency to rival the dollar. This threat will pose a significant problem for countries considering membership in BRICS in various formats. BRICS’ tensions with the US may bring about more open and harsh repercussions in the coming period.
World politics is being shaped by the search for solutions to crises and a perspective that can respond to needs. There is a shift in the balance of power. Such periods offer important opportunities for countries like Türkiye. In this respect, Türkiye can gain a position that stands out from the two blocs clashing at the global level. Considering the recent developments in Syria as a reflection of a similar process, it would not be surprising if this situation manifests itself in other areas as well.
