In the modern era, several mixed-type organizations are being formed, one of which is BRICS. Can we see Azerbaijan joining the organization, which aims to get an official status by expanding itself from 2024? If so, what opportunities can the organization create for Azerbaijan?
Ednews conducted a survey among international experts:
Political analyst Ilyas Huseynov:
"BRICS is already becoming a powerful organization. At first, it was considered as a geopolitical project, but with the Ukrainian war, it managed to gather a number of partners around it. At the same time, in addition to socio-economic motives, geopolitical interests also unite these states in a common place. Iran and Turkey also have interests here. Saudi Arabia, for example, is already taking practical steps. When I was in Russia 5-6 years ago, there were different ideas about the organization, but now it seems that these ideas have become reality. Azerbaijan also closely monitors the activities of this organization. However, rushing to join such diverse geopolitical alliances can cause problems. Our national interests need to successfully analyze the activities of this union. At the present time, it is mainly seen in the struggle with the economic system of the West. Therefore, in this struggle, it is seen that the countries that come to the fore due to their economic and political power should join the alliance. We will see how the Union, which is currently not in the foreground due to any of its military components, will advance its purpose in the near future. I think that the countries that suffer mainly from the imperial interests of the West will show more interest here."
Former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza:
"I would not expect Azerbaijan to join the BRICS because Azerbaijan’s core foreign policy principle in recent years has been to avoid any geopolitical block and instead be the leader of the Non-Aligned Movement as it has been over the past 4 years."
Executive Director of The Center for South & International Studies (CSAIS) Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan:
"Azerbaijan is a potential country to join the BRICS on the future. Being a middle corridor it would be value addition for the strategic expansion of BRICS and its participation in the BRI would be further strengthened. With the completion of Zangazur corridor the inclusion of Azerbaijan would be beneficial for Global South in the days to come.