Azerbaijan’s official application to join the BRICS group on August 20 has sparked new debates about the country’s foreign policy direction. Experts differ on the motivations behind this move, with some attributing it to political reasons, while others point to economic factors. BRICS’ growing role in the global system has increased its political and economic significance.
Originally coined in the early 2000s to describe the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS became a formal international forum in 2009. A year later, South Africa joined, completing the initial group. In early 2024, the bloc expanded further, adding Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, significantly broadening its global presence.
There are both political and economic factors driving Azerbaijan’s application to BRICS. Azerbaijan’s decision to apply for BRICS membership can be understood through both political/strategic and economic lenses. Politically, Baku’s BRICS application has sparked speculation that the country is shifting its foreign policy focus toward the East, potentially moving away from the West. This perception is reinforced by Azerbaijan’s recent strategic partnership with China and its application following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Azerbaijan.
However, Azerbaijan’s BRICS bid is not a sign of abandoning the West for the East. Instead, it reflects a restructuring of its balanced, multi-vector foreign policy. Since the 1990s, Azerbaijan has pursued this approach to avoid overdependence on any single power, boost its strategic importance in the South Caucasus and Eurasia, and enhance its ability to safeguard national interests in an increasingly complex global landscape. Regionally, Azerbaijan’s key foreign policy players have traditionally included Turkey, Iran, and Russia, while globally, it maintains strong ties with the European Union and the United States.
As global power shifts, with China and India rising and the international system trending toward multipolarity, many states are reassessing their foreign policy strategies. Growing tensions between the West and Russia/China, such as the U.S.-China trade war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have further prompted countries to adopt more proactive policies. In this context, Azerbaijan’s BRICS application can be seen as a step toward diversifying its partnerships and managing relations with both the East and West.
This restructuring of foreign policy didn’t begin with the BRICS application but is a continuation of Azerbaijan’s broader diplomatic strategy. Azerbaijan has been building stronger bilateral relations with China, Central Asian states, and Gulf countries, while also engaging with non-Western international organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Turkic States. Its growing interest in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is another example of its evolving foreign policy.
At the same time, Azerbaijan remains committed to its relations with the West. Bilateral engagements with EU countries like Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, Romania, and Hungary—particularly in the energy sector—show that Baku continues to prioritize economic ties with Europe. Recent initiatives to export electricity to EU markets further demonstrate Azerbaijan’s ongoing economic engagement with the West.
Thus, Azerbaijan’s application to BRICS should be viewed not as an isolated event, but as part of its broader multi-vector foreign policy. By joining BRICS, Azerbaijan aims to strengthen its relations with developing countries, increase its diplomatic flexibility, and enhance its strategic importance in both the West and East. Additionally, BRICS membership could provide geopolitical advantages, particularly in its peace negotiations with Armenia, where Azerbaijan might seek diplomatic support from BRICS nations.
Economically, BRICS plays a crucial role in the global economy. Since the 1990s, rapid growth in Asia has shifted economic gravity from the Euro-Atlantic region to Asia. BRICS countries represent 40% of the global population and 20% of global GDP. Following the 2024 expansion, BRICS now accounts for 46% of the world’s population and 31% of the global economy. In terms of purchasing power parity, BRICS surpasses the G7, holding 35.6% of global GDP, with the G7 at 30.3%. By 2028, BRICS is projected to account for 36.6%, while the G7’s share is expected to fall to 27.8%.
Azerbaijan sees both trade and investment opportunities in joining BRICS. In 2023, BRICS members made up 20% of Azerbaijan’s foreign trade, while the EU accounted for 48.5%. By deepening ties with BRICS countries, Azerbaijan can diversify its trade, reduce dependence on Western markets, and mitigate geopolitical risks related to supply chain disruptions, complementing its existing relations with the EU.
On the investment front, Azerbaijan’s focus on infrastructure development and renewable energy makes BRICS an attractive partner. The bloc offers opportunities to secure investments at both the state and institutional levels. China’s leadership in renewable energy is particularly important for Azerbaijan. Beyond ongoing projects, BRICS membership could foster further collaboration between businesses and state officials, creating favourable conditions for economic engagement.
BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB) could also benefit Azerbaijan. Since its establishment, the NDB has approved $32.8 billion in financing for various projects, with $10 billion directed toward infrastructure and $3 billion toward clean energy. Given Azerbaijan’s interest in both sectors, BRICS membership could open up new financing avenues for key projects. Additionally, BRICS financing is often more flexible compared to Western institutions, which frequently impose strict conditions. The NDB could provide Azerbaijan with faster, more adaptable funding, complementing Western financing sources and allowing Baku to choose the best options for its strategic interests.
In summary, Azerbaijan’s application to BRICS is driven by both political and economic considerations. Politically, it aligns with Azerbaijan’s proactive diplomacy and efforts to restructure its multi-vector foreign policy in response to changes in the global system. Economically, BRICS membership could help Azerbaijan expand its trade, attract new investments, and access NDB resources for critical infrastructure and renewable energy projects.