Read previewEarlier this month, a spokesperson for Turkey's ruling AK Party said that a process was "underway" for Turkey to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations.
He now appears to be seeking to maintain what experts have dubbed a "balancing act" between its relations with the West, Russia, and China.
"Even if Turkey does join BRICS, I do not believe it is going to lead to a fundamental redefinition of Turkey's relationship with the West."
Advertisement"Understanding and collaborating with Turkey's perspective can enhance US and NATO relations with Turkey, irrespective of potential administrative changes in Ankara," Can wrote in an article for the Wilson Center.
For its part, the US has remained relatively quiet following the news that Turkey's BRICS ambitions may be inching forward, which Aydintaşbaş said was likely a savvy move aimed at avoiding a public dispute.
Persons:
—, Omer Celik, Tayyip Erdoğan's, Aydintaşbaş, Erdogan, Bulent Aliriza, Yusuf, Aliriza, there's, Turkey's
Organizations:
Service, AK Party, Reuters, Business, United, Saudi, NATO, EU, West, Brookings Institution, Russia, China, Eurasia Program, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Middle, Wilson Center, Wilson, of Europe, France
Locations:
Turkey, Ankara, Turkish, Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, United States, Europe, France, West, Russian, U.S, Washington, Kazan