BRICS Unveils New 'Participation Trophy' Membership Tier

It appears the exclusive club known as BRICS is, much like a struggling regional theatre company, now welcoming applications from anyone with a pulse and a vague desire for "global influence." Sources indicate Turkey, a stalwart member of the decidedly *Western* alliance NATO, has formally tossed its hat into the ring, presumably to diversify its portfolio of international friendships.

One can only admire Ankara's diplomatic agility, pirouetting between entrenched geopolitical blocs with the grace of a particularly ambitious circus performer. Clearly, the pursuit of "new connections" now supersedes any quaint notions of ideological alignment or, indeed, not actively courting a perceived rival while still sharing a war room with your current allies. It seems the criteria for membership in the new, improved BRICS is less about economic synergy and more about simply wanting to be invited to *all* the parties. A veritable UN of participation trophies.