SCO – Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a prominent regional organisation that was established to enhance cooperation among its member states in various domains, particularly in security and economic development. Founded on June 15, 2001, the SCO has evolved to become player in international relations, especially in the context of Central Asia.

Formation

The SCO was founded in 2001 by six states – China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Its original purpose was to promote regional security and cooperation, particularly to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Over the years, the organisation has expanded its focus to include economic and cultural cooperation.

Membership

The SCO has grown to include nine full members as of 2023:

• China
• India
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Pakistan
• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan
• Iran (joined in 2021)

In addition to full members, the SCO has observer states and dialogue partners. Observer states include Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia. Dialogue partners comprise countries like Turkey and Sri Lanka.

Objectives

The SCO operates with several key objectives:

• Security Cooperation: Addressing regional security threats through collaborative efforts.
• Economic Cooperation: Promoting trade and investment among member states.
• Cultural Exchange: Enhancing mutual understanding through cultural ties.
• Political Coordination: Strengthening political dialogue among member nations.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The SCO focuses on various areas of cooperation:

Counter-Terrorism

The organisation conducts joint exercises and shares intelligence to combat terrorism. It has established a Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Economic Development

The SCO supports initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to enhance economic ties and infrastructure development among member states.

Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation

The SCO promotes cultural exchanges and educational programs to encourage understanding among diverse cultures.

Environmental Protection

The organisation addresses regional environmental issues, enhancing cooperation on ecological matters.

Institutional Structure

The SCO has a well-defined institutional structure:

• Summit Meetings: Heads of state convene annually to discuss key issues.
• Council of Heads of Government: This council focuses on economic cooperation and development.
• Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Based in Tashkent, it concentrates on counter-terrorism efforts.
• Secretariat: Located in Beijing, it handles the day-to-day operations of the organisation.

Significant Summits

Several summits have shaped the SCO’s trajectory:

• 2017 Astana Summit: India and Pakistan were admitted as full members.
• 2021 Dushanbe Summit: The focus was on Afghanistan and regional security challenges.
• 2022 Samarkand Summit: Emphasised economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

Geopolitical Significance

The SCO plays important role in regional and global geopolitics:

Regional Influence

The organisation aims to counterbalance Western influence, particularly that of the United States.

China’s Role

China is a major player in the SCO, leading economic initiatives and security discussions.

India’s Involvement

India seeks to balance its relations with both the SCO and other regional powers, maintaining strategic interests.

Challenges

The SCO faces several challenges in its operations:

• Diverse Interests: Member states have varied political systems and economic interests, complicating cooperation.
• Terrorism and Extremism: Central Asia continues to face threats from terrorism and radical groups.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Relations between India and Pakistan often affect SCO cooperation.

Future Prospects

The future of the SCO looks promising with several potential developments:

Expansion

There is potential for new members and observer states to join the organisation, enhancing its influence.

Increased Cooperation

The SCO aims to focus on deeper economic integration and enhanced security measures among members.

Role in Global Governance

The organisation could play role in influencing global issues, such as climate change and international trade.

Recent Developments

Recent events have brought into light the SCO’s responsiveness to global challenges:

Afghanistan’s Situation

The SCO has been actively addressing the implications of the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan. It seeks to ensure regional stability and security.

Economic Initiatives

Discussions on trade agreements and infrastructure projects have intensified, aiming to boost economic ties among member states.

Crisis Response

The SCO has coordinated responses to health and security issues, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has included sharing information and resources to combat the crisis.