Türkiye's NATO role under review amid new alliances

Türkiye's recent requests to join international organizations led by Russia and China have prompted discussions about its role within NATO.

Ankara has expressed interest in joining the BRICS economic bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

These moves reflect Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's strategic shift towards diversifying Türkiye's global partnerships. 

Erdogan's proposals have sparked questions about how Türkiye's NATO membership aligns with its aspirations to join these other groups. The BRICS and SCO are seen as alternatives to Western-dominated economic and security structures. Despite this, Türkiye continues to engage with NATO, which remains a crucial part of its security and defence strategy.

Türkiye has been active in various international arenas, including its role in facilitating grain exports from Ukraine and supplying military aid to Kyiv. The country is also exploring ways to contribute positively to global issues through different alliances.

Former Turkish diplomat Sinan Ülgen notes that Türkiye's move towards BRICS and the SCO reflects a broader strategy of increasing its strategic autonomy and addressing frustrations with the EU and other Western partners. This shift is seen as part of Türkiye's effort to navigate a multipolar world and assert its position on the global stage.