While the United States’ influence is declining, the other pole of international relations, centered around China, appears to be thriving.
One of the most significant institutions within this Chinese-led group is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), established in 2001. Its members are meeting today in Kazakhstan. The SCO officially comprises regarding ten countries, including China, Russia, Iran, most Central Asian nations, and soon Belarus.
Several other countries hold observer status, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Cambodia.
Officially, the organization aims to combat separatism, extremism, and terrorism. However, these goals seem largely symbolic. In reality, to be a member, a country only needs to be located in Asia and ideally have an authoritarian regime.
A Gathering of Dictators
The organization brings together a collection of dictators whose pronouncements regarding its objectives would be amusing if they weren’t backed by real military power.
For example, Vladimir Putin, who has become a figure of mockery, stated earlier today that he considers the Afghan Taliban “to be allies once morest terrorism.”
The Taliban, champions of the fight once morest terrorism? A grand display of absurdity.
Putin also claims that the SCO treats all member states equally, unlike anywhere else in the world.
Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, should explain how Putin treats him as an equal. Or Putin should describe this supposed equality between himself and Xi Jinping.
China at the Helm
In reality, all relationships within the SCO are highly hierarchical, with China firmly at the organization’s apex.
Contrary to Putin’s assertions, the world is not multipolar. It is bipolar. One side features a largely democratic bloc, while the other is dominated by authoritarian regimes. And there is nothing humorous regarding this situation.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization: A Gathering of Dictators Under China’s Banner
While the United States grapples with its own internal struggles, the other pole of international relations, centered around China, appears to be thriving. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a key institution within this Chinese-led bloc, is a testament to this growing influence.
A Gathering of Authoritarians
Established in 2001, the SCO boasts a membership of ten countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and most of Central Asia, with Belarus poised to join soon. The organization also welcomes a number of observer states, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Cambodia.
The SCO’s official doctrine focuses on combating separatism, extremism, and terrorism. However, this stated purpose falls short of the reality. Membership within this group is largely determined by geographic location in Asia and, more importantly, by the adherence to an authoritarian regime.
The SCO has become a platform for a collection of dictators whose pronouncements on the organization’s objectives would be laughable if they weren’t backed by real military power.
A Hierarchical Structure with China at the Apex
Despite Vladimir Putin’s claims of equality among members, the SCO operates on a highly hierarchical structure with China firmly established at the top.
For example, Putin’s recent statement that the Afghan Taliban are “allies once morest terrorism” is a blatant example of the SCO’s embrace of absurdity.
Putin’s assertion that the SCO treats all members equally is a stark contradiction to the reality of the organization. Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, can attest to the unequal treatment he receives from Putin. The power dynamic between Putin and Xi Jinping further underscores the unequal nature of the organization.
A Bipolar World: Democracy Versus Authoritarianism
Despite Putin’s pronouncements, the world is not multipolar. It is undeniably bipolar, with a democratic pole on one side and an authoritarian pole on the other. This dynamic is anything but humorous.
A Platform for China’s Global Ambitions
The SCO is not merely a gathering of dictators. It serves as a vital platform for China to expand its global influence. The organization provides China with a framework to cultivate strategic partnerships, promote its economic interests, and assert itself on the world stage.
China’s strategic goals within the SCO include:
- Securing Access to Critical Resources: China’s growing economy necessitates access to vast quantities of energy, minerals, and other resources. The SCO provides access to these resources within Central Asia, bolstering China’s economic security.
- Countering Western Influence: The SCO serves as a counterbalance to Western influence in Asia. China, along with its allies, seeks to reduce the dominance of the United States and its allies in the region.
- Promoting China’s Security Interests: The SCO allows China to promote its security interests through joint military exercises and cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. This strengthens China’s role as a regional power.
- Expanding China’s Economic and Political Network: The SCO provides China with an opportunity to expand its economic and political network in Eurasia. This network facilitates trade, investment, and political coordination, consolidating China’s position as a global leader.
The SCO’s Impact on the Global Order
The SCO’s rise has significant implications for the global order:
- Erosion of Democratic Norms: The SCO’s acceptance of authoritarian states undermines democratic values and principles. It sends a dangerous signal that authoritarianism is an acceptable form of governance.
- Rise of Authoritarian Influence: The SCO empowers authoritarian regimes, bolstering their influence and providing them with a platform to advance their agenda.
- Challenging the Existing Security Architecture: The SCO is a direct challenge to the security architecture established by the West. It has the potential to disrupt existing alliances and create a new balance of power.
- Shifting Global Power Dynamics: The SCO’s growth signifies a fundamental shift in global power dynamics. It signals the decline of American dominance and the rise of China as a major geopolitical force.
The SCO: A New Reality
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is not a mere symbolic alliance. It is a powerful force that is reshaping the global landscape. As China’s influence continues to grow, the SCO is likely to play an increasingly prominent role in world affairs.
The SCO is a testament to the changing global order, where authoritarianism is on the rise and democracy is under pressure. It is a complex and evolving entity that requires careful consideration and analysis. As the organization continues to expand its reach, understanding its dynamics and implications is crucial for navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape.
