The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), comprising nine member states and covering more than 60 percent of Eurasia, remains a subject of curiosity and misunderstanding, particularly in the West. With over 40 percent of the world’s population and 30 percent of global GDP, the SCO represents a significant portion of the global landscape.
Established in 2001, the SCO was born out of border negotiations among China, Russia, and three Central Asian countries. Its primary goals, as stated in its charter, are to strengthen mutual trust, friendship, and good-neighborliness among member states, and to jointly ensure and maintain peace, security, and stability in the region.
Unlike some Western-led institutions, the SCO operates on principles of equality and consensus. All member states have equal say, and decisions are made through negotiation and mutual agreement. This approach ensures that the diverse interests and perspectives of all members are respected.
The SCO is often perceived as a potential challenge to Western interests, but this perception overlooks the organization’s true nature and objectives. The SCO is not directed against any other entity; rather, it is focused on fostering regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges such as terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
One of the key strengths of the SCO is its respect for the differences among its members. Countries within the SCO may have bilateral differences, but the organization provides a platform to find common ground and work collaboratively. This inclusivity allows member states to address mutual concerns effectively.
In addition to security cooperation, the SCO is expanding its collaborative efforts into economic development, cultural exchange, education, and environmental protection. The SCO Economic Development Strategy until 2030 outlines plans to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, science and technology, energy, agriculture, and other areas. Initiatives such as scholarships, scientific research exchanges, and commitments to tackle climate change demonstrate the organization’s multifaceted approach to cooperation.
The SCO’s regional focus on Eurasia is a deliberate and strategic choice. By concentrating on the needs and priorities of its member states and observer states in the region, the SCO aims to promote stability and prosperity from within.
Understanding the SCO requires acknowledging that it represents a different model of regional cooperation—one based on equality, mutual respect, and consensus-building. It is not a threat but an alternative approach that offers valuable insights into how nations can work together in a complex, multipolar world.
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Different, not a challenge: Things the West doesn't get about the SCO
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