As Pakistan hosts the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit on 15 & 16 October 2024. We put the pieces together to know What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization? As per its initial agenda, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political, economic, and security alliance founded by China in 2001. Its primary aim is to foster collaboration in various fields among its member states, with a strong focus on maintaining regional security, combating terrorism, promoting economic cooperation, and facilitating cultural and educational exchanges. Over the years, the SCO has become a significant platform for dialogue and cooperation in Eurasia, and its influence has grown both regionally and globally.

Formation of Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The SCO emerged from earlier cooperative frameworks that originated in the 1990s. In 1996, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan formed what was known as the Shanghai Five. This group primarily focused on resolving border disputes and fostering trust along their shared borders. However, as the regional geopolitical landscape evolved, the members expanded their cooperation beyond border security and into broader political, economic, and security areas.

In 2001, Uzbekistan joined the Shanghai Five, and the organization was officially renamed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Since then, the SCO has steadily expanded its objectives, embracing more comprehensive cooperation across multiple sectors.

Member States and Structure of SCO

The SCO currently consists of Ten Member States, as well as a number of observer states and dialogue partners. The ten full members are:

1. Belarus (Joined in 2024)
2. China
3. Russia
4. India (Joined in 2017)
5. Iran (Joined in 2023)
6. Pakistan (Joined in 2017)
7. Kazakhstan
8. Kyrgyzstan
9. Tajikistan
10. Uzbekistan

The organization also includes observer states like Afghanistan and Mongolia. The dialogue partners of Shanghai Cooperation Organization include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Maldives, Myanmar, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The Observer and dialogue partner statuses allow states to engage in SCO activities without full membership, providing a broad platform for cooperation across the wider Eurasian region.

The organizational structure of the SCO includes several key institutions:

• Council of Heads of State: The highest decision-making body, responsible for setting overall policy directions.
• Council of Heads of Government: Focuses on implementing policies, especially in economic cooperation.
• Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Dedicated to combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism, which are considered the “three evils” by the organization.
• Secretariat: The administrative body based in Beijing that handles the day-to-day functioning of the SCO.

Core Objectives and Areas of Cooperation

The SCO’s activities focus on a range of issues:

1. Security Cooperation: The SCO is known for its strong focus on regional security. The organization regularly conducts joint military exercises and shares intelligence on counter-terrorism. The emphasis is on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism within member states, with the RATS playing a central role in coordinating anti-terrorism efforts. The SCO has increasingly paid attention to cyber-security, counter-narcotics, and organized crime.
2. Economic Collaboration: Economic cooperation has gained importance within the SCO in recent years. Member states are exploring initiatives related to trade, investment, energy cooperation, and infrastructure development. There is particular interest in enhancing connectivity across the region, with projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), led by China, playing a significant role in facilitating economic integration. Energy cooperation is also a priority, as the region is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals.
3. Cultural and Educational Exchanges: The SCO promotes cultural understanding and exchanges between its member states. Various forums, festivals, and exchanges are organized to foster cooperation in areas such as education, science, technology, and healthcare. The SCO University initiative, for example, allows member states to share educational resources and collaborate on academic research.
4. Diplomatic and Multilateral Engagement: The SCO operates as an important forum for member states to engage in multilateral diplomacy, offering a platform for dialogue on issues ranging from regional stability to global governance. The SCO often promotes a multipolar world order, counterbalancing Western-led institutions and alliances. It emphasizes the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states, reinforcing the sovereignty of member states.

Challenges for Shanghai Cooperation Organization

While the SCO has made significant strides, it also faces several challenges:

• Diverging National Interests: Given the diversity of its member states, which range from global powers like China and Russia to smaller Central Asian states, balancing different national interests can be challenging. For instance, India and Pakistan have a long history of rivalry, which could potentially create tensions within the organization.
• Economic Disparities: Economic integration within the SCO is still in its early stages. The varying levels of economic development among member states pose challenges to creating a seamless economic framework for cooperation.
• Perceived Lack of Institutional Strength: Some analysts argue that the SCO lacks the institutional strength to implement its broad objectives, particularly in terms of economic cooperation. The organization does not have a common financial framework, and many of its initiatives are reliant on bilateral or multilateral agreements outside of the SCO framework.
• Geopolitical Complexities: The SCO’s close ties to China and Russia are seen by some as a way to counterbalance Western influence, particularly the United States and NATO. However, this also places the organization in a position where its members may have to navigate complex geopolitical pressures from both the West and other regional powers.

Significance of Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The SCO plays a vital role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia. It serves as a counterbalance to Western-dominated organizations such as NATO and the European Union, promoting an alternative model of multilateral cooperation based on the principles of sovereignty and non-interference. It also aligns with China’s broader strategy of expanding its influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road, while Russia views the SCO as an important platform for maintaining its influence in Central Asia.

The organization’s significance was further underscored by the inclusion of India and Pakistan in 2017, expanding the SCO’s reach to South Asia and enhancing its role as a key player in regional security and economic cooperation. As India and Pakistan continue to grapple with their bilateral issues, their membership in the SCO provides a forum for dialogue, albeit in an indirect manner.

Future of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The SCO’s future prospects are tied to how effectively it can navigate the geopolitical and economic complexities of the Eurasian region. If it can strengthen economic ties and deepen cooperation in areas like infrastructure, energy, and trade, it has the potential to become a major force for economic integration. The inclusion of more countries, such as Iran, will also broaden the organization’s geopolitical scope.

In conclusion, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a significant regional entity that has evolved from a security-focused body into a comprehensive platform for cooperation in Eurasia. Its increasing engagement in economic, security, and cultural affairs, along with its emphasis on multipolarity, highlights its growing importance in the global geopolitical landscape. However, it faces several challenges, and its ability to achieve its long-term objectives will depend on how it manages these complexities.