Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı Highlights BRICS Summit’s Global Impact on Economic and Political Dynamics
On October 24, 2024, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı, co-founder of Ankara Global Advisory Group, appeared on EKOL TV's Ekol Masası program presented by Çağlar Cilara, to discuss the geopolitical implications of BRICS Summit held in Russia. With the summit drawing worldwide attention, Prof. Bağcı provided a nuanced analysis of the summit's implications for Turkey, the global economy, and shifting political alliances. His remarks touched on the expanding influence of BRICS and its significance as a potential alternative to Western-led systems.
Key Insights from Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı
Expanding BRICS Membership Reflects Global Realignment: Prof. Bağcı emphasized the significance of the increasing number of countries aspiring to join BRICS. Unlike military alliances, BRICS represents a coalition grounded in economic and political cooperation, presenting a unique alternative for countries outside Western frameworks. This trend reflects a growing desire among emerging economies to form alliances beyond the influence of the West. Bağcı noted that BRICS is becoming a crucial platform for countries looking to counterbalance Western dominance in global affairs, particularly in financial and trade systems.
Turkey’s Strategic Dilemma with BRICS and NATO Relations: Highlighting Turkey's complex position, Prof. Bağcı underscored Turkey’s unique standing as a NATO member while exploring closer ties with BRICS. Turkey's interest in BRICS, he suggested, arises from a need to diversify its international partnerships and increase its maneuverability. However, Turkey’s potential membership in BRICS is met with resistance from countries like India. Bağcı discussed how Turkey's involvement in BRICS could impact its geopolitical strategy, especially considering NATO's affirmation of Turkey's sovereignty and independence in foreign alliances.
BRICS’ Cultural and Economic Integration: A Counterweight to Western Models: In contrast to the European Union's value-driven unity, Prof. Bağcı described BRICS as a more flexible alliance built on mutual respect for diverse cultural identities and economic goals. He pointed to BRICS' resistance to Western-led sanctions on Russia and Iran as indicative of its commitment to economic sovereignty. Bağcı observed that this cultural and economic unity could appeal to many countries seeking alternatives to Western influence, potentially leading to a new global order where nations collaborate while preserving distinct cultural identities.
A New Worldview Emerging from the Global South: Reflecting on his experiences at international BRICS gatherings, Prof. Bağcı discussed how BRICS represents a movement from a Western-dominated perspective to a more inclusive global South viewpoint. With leaders, academics, and thinkers from diverse countries engaging in discussions on a multipolar world, he noted a significant shift toward a worldview that values cooperation across different cultures and political structures. Bağcı sees BRICS as a potential precursor to a political and cultural system that accommodates Western values while expanding to include a broader range of global voices.
Balancing Alliances Without Abandoning Commitments: Prof. Bağcı highlighted that Turkey, as a NATO member, retains strategic ties to both the Turkish and Islamic worlds. He argued that Turkey’s engagement with BRICS should be seen as complementary rather than as a challenge to NATO, underscoring that Turkey’s independence in foreign relations enables it to pursue diversified partnerships within international law without compromising its alliance obligations.
Economic Opportunities Through BRICS Membership: Turkey’s interest in BRICS is not only geopolitical but also economic. Prof. Bağcı pointed out the potential for Turkey to benefit from cooperation with rising economies like Russia, China, and India, which could open new channels for economic growth beyond its current Western affiliations. He emphasized that Turkish citizens and businesses facing visa restrictions in Europe would find valuable new markets through these alternative alliances.
The Changing Global Order and Turkey’s Place in It: Prof. Bağcı described how the global political landscape is shifting, particularly in light of recent conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon, which he believes have tarnished the West’s moral standing. He suggested that BRICS offers Turkey a platform to engage in a more balanced global system, reflecting Turkey’s growing role as both a regional and global actor.
Youth Mobility and Intellectual Capital Retention: Addressing challenges in Turkey-EU relations, Prof. Bağcı criticized the EU’s restrictive visa policies that inhibit Turkish students and professionals from accessing European institutions. This situation, he warned, could push Turkey to seek alternatives that facilitate the mobility of its youth and intellectual capital, further strengthening ties with BRICS countries.
Conclusion: BRICS Could Create Opportunities for Nations that Feel Sidelined or Constrained by Western-centric Policies
Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı’s analysis of the BRICS Summit highlights its pivotal role in shaping a new global order that moves beyond traditional Western-dominated frameworks. With BRICS expanding its appeal to countries outside the Western bloc, it is increasingly seen as a coalition that supports economic independence, cultural sovereignty, and resistance to unilateral sanctions. According to Bağcı, the summit underscored how BRICS could create opportunities for nations that feel sidelined or constrained by Western-centric policies, thereby fostering a more inclusive and diversified global economy.
Bağcı emphasized that, for Turkey, joining BRICS presents both a strategic opportunity and a challenge. As a NATO member, Turkey’s engagement with BRICS could signify a move toward balanced alliances, enabling it to enhance its diplomatic leverage without severing ties with Western allies. This dual positioning could provide Turkey with the flexibility it needs to pursue economic and geopolitical interests on its own terms. Furthermore, Bağcı noted that BRICS represents a distinct departure from traditional value-based alliances, offering a model that respects national identities and unique political paths.
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