A new country is knocking at the door – The New Tribune

this BRICSThis growing economic group is attracting more and more emerging countries to join its ranks. Since its establishment in 2009, the alliance has undergone a lot of changes, with the number of founding members increasing from 5 to 10 at the beginning of 2024.Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have joined Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to form the BRICS+The expansion reflects the platform’s growing appeal in developing economies, which see it as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions.

Azerbaijan knocks on Giants’ door

In this context of expansion, Azerbaijan Just officially announced as the candidate for the eleventh member BRICS+The move, announced on August 20, is part of a broader strategy Baku Aiming to strengthen its position on the international stage. For the Caucasus country, joining the BRICS means an opportunity to consolidate its economic and diplomatic ties with major powers such as Russia and China, while maintaining a certain independence from traditional blocs.

The attraction BRICS+ For Baku, it is not just about the economy. On the geopolitical level, Azerbaijan Seeks to position itself as a strategic crossroads between East and West. The country aspires to become an important link in trade, in particular positioning itself as the preferred route for rail transport between China and Europe. This ambition is accompanied by a desire to diversify its partnerships, as evidenced by its growing role as a gas supplier to Europe, a position that has been strengthened since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine.

Strictly monitored membership process

Integration Azerbaijan However, BRICS+ is not a done deal. The membership process is a four-stage process that could take months or even years. RussiaThe current BRICS chair announced a suspension of the expansion process in order to better define the admission criteria for BRICS countries and avoid diluting the interests and goals of “BRICS+”.

Despite these obstacles, Baku can count on strong government support Russia and Chinese. Recent visits Vladimir Putin Bilateral talks with President in Azerbaijan’s capital Ilham Aliyev The result was a joint statement supporting the country’s candidacy. Beijing, for its part, also pledged to support Azerbaijan’s accession, thus strengthening relations between the two countries.

For Azerbaijan, the issue goes beyond a simple economic framework. The country sees this potential membership as a means of strengthening its international legitimacy, especially in COP29 He must welcome and chair the climate change conference next November. While this chairmanship is questioned by some, it could be strengthened by integrating into the BRICS+.

BRICS+ membership: a diplomatic balancing act

Azerbaijan’s candidacy for the BRICS+ grouping demonstrates a sound diplomatic strategy aimed at balancing its international relations. By moving closer to this grouping, Baku hopes not only to consolidate relations with Russia and China, but also to open new doors, especially with India. The latter is an influential member of the BRICS+ grouping and has close relations with Armenia, with which Azerbaijan has been in conflict for years. BRICS+ membership could provide Baku with a platform to defend itself to New Delhi and could influence India’s stance in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

This diplomatic maneuver illustrates the dynamics of international relations in the region, where each country tries to position itself between different spheres of influence. For Azerbaijan, joining the BRICS+ would be a major diplomatic coup, allowing it to strengthen its position without alienating its Western partners. In fact, unlike Baku’s long-standing refusal to join the European Union, integration into BRICS+ does not imply binding ideological, military or economic commitments.

Time will tell whether this strategy will bear fruit. Türkiye Australia Venezuela go through Algeriaalso knock on the door BRICS+, Azerbaijan It must demonstrate its strengths to stand out. Its strategic geographical location, energy potential and desire to serve as a bridge between different parts of the world may all be weighty arguments. In any case, this candidacy demonstrates the growing appeal of the “BRICS+” and its potential to reshape the balance of power on the international stage.