The effects of economic security on foreign policy formation: Analysis of BRICS member states (2001-2018)

The multi-dimensional analysis of security has led to the diversification of security policies of international actors. In this context, increasing and complex trade, finance and production relations have created actor diversity and made these actors vulnerable to risks and threats. The analysis of economic security and its effects, on the other hand, is a kind of restoration of "economic power and elements" that have been shown as "secondary" or "side factors" throughout diplomacy history. In this respect, the contribution and influence of international relations actors acting with national, regional and global interests and focusing on the economy from a wide variety of perspectives is essential to understanding this securitized process. This is because both the homogenization of the international system whose borders have become permeable with economic globalization and the independence / sovereignty dilemmas faced by the nation states have made this situation even more critical. In this context, with the globalizing world, the nation-state's sustainable and balanced economic growth and a secure economy have risen to the forefront of the agenda. For this reason, for a new perspective in international relations, it would be appropriate to analyze the elements, structure and effects of economic security, which is an interdisciplinary field of interaction in economy and security terminology. Issues involving dynamism such as keeping the economy safe against internal and external risks / threats and maintaining the trust in the economy are vital for the survival of the nation state. The fact that this perception is hidden in the success of emerging market economies has always been a debated issue. In our thesis, the role of BRICS, which is formed by Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa, which stands out among emerging economies and considered as an alternative economic pole for the global economic order, will be analyzed in the economic and political competition in international relations. In this direction, it is aimed to correctly understand the relationship between economic security policies and foreign policy expansions and the economic-political dilemmas and competition areas in which the international system is already in. Key words: Economic Security, Foreign Policy, Economic Diplomacy, Geoeconomics, BRICS