Azerbaijan’s formal application to join BRICS in August 2024 signals a bold strategic maneuver in its foreign policy. By seeking to become part of this bloc, which represents some of the world’s most rapidly developing economies, Azerbaijan aims to deepen its influence on the global stage while aligning itself with the economic and political aspirations of the Global South.
Azerbaijan has long been adept at maintaining a careful balance between major global powers, navigating shifting alliances while prioritizing its national interests. However, recent geopolitical realignments—marked by the declining influence of the West, China’s growing economic dominance, and the Global South’s increasing assertion—have prompted Baku to recalibrate its external strategy. The decision to engage with BRICS highlights Azerbaijan’s desire to enhance its global profile by forging stronger ties with emerging powers outside the Western sphere.
Joining BRICS offers Azerbaijan a platform to engage with nations that share its interests in a multipolar world. It also allows Baku to distance itself from the political and economic pressures that come with being closely tied to Western institutions, providing more flexibility in its foreign relations.
BRICS membership would unlock a wealth of economic opportunities for Azerbaijan. As an organization representing over 40% of the world’s population and a significant portion of global trade, BRICS could provide Azerbaijan with access to new markets, investment, and financial resources. The BRICS Development Bank, for instance, offers financing for large infrastructure projects, aligning with Azerbaijan’s ambitions to modernize its economy and develop sectors beyond oil and gas.
In a world where the balance of economic power is shifting, Azerbaijan stands to benefit from closer economic cooperation with BRICS nations, especially in the fields of energy, infrastructure, and technology. For a country that has long relied on its oil and gas resources, membership in BRICS could accelerate efforts to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment in other sectors.
Azerbaijan’s strategic location and energy resources make it a valuable player for BRICS. As a critical transit point for oil and gas between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan could strengthen energy cooperation with BRICS members, particularly China and India, both of which are looking to diversify their energy supplies. Azerbaijan’s role in key logistics corridors, such as the “East-West” and “North-South” transport routes, further enhances its importance as a potential member of BRICS.
Beyond energy, Azerbaijan’s growing infrastructure and logistics capabilities are integral to the development of regional and international transport links. By joining BRICS, Azerbaijan can enhance its role as a logistical hub, connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through its territory.
Politically, joining BRICS offers Azerbaijan a platform to assert its influence in global governance structures that challenge the Western-dominated world order. BRICS, unlike organizations such as NATO or the EU, promotes non-interference in the internal affairs of its members. This aligns with Azerbaijan’s priorities of maintaining sovereignty and resisting external pressures, particularly from Western countries critical of its domestic and regional policies.
Moreover, BRICS membership would strengthen Azerbaijan’s diplomatic reach. Baku’s ability to foster relationships with key powers like China, Russia, and India, while maintaining a stance of neutrality in many global conflicts, could further position it as a diplomatic leader in the South Caucasus and beyond.
Azerbaijan’s alignment with BRICS also signals a deepening of its ties with the Global South, which is increasingly seeking to assert its independence from Western economic and political dominance. This provides Azerbaijan with an opportunity to champion the interests of developing countries, contributing to the rise of a multipolar world where power is distributed more evenly among nations.
As the Global South becomes a more significant force in shaping international norms and institutions, Azerbaijan can leverage its strategic location and resources to strengthen its position in these emerging coalitions. In doing so, Azerbaijan not only secures new avenues for growth but also contributes to the redefinition of global power dynamics.
Azerbaijan’s BRICS maneuver marks a pivotal moment in the country’s foreign policy trajectory. By seeking membership in this dynamic bloc, Azerbaijan is signaling its intent to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of global governance, while simultaneously pursuing economic growth and regional stability.
The combination of political flexibility, economic opportunity, and strategic positioning within the BRICS framework could propel Azerbaijan into a new era of influence, ensuring its place among the key players in an increasingly multipolar world. As global power shifts, Azerbaijan’s alignment with BRICS underscores its readiness to adapt to new realities and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
