The Strategic Significance and Internal Dynamics of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Quick Look
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has expanded to include major global powers, representing over 3.4 billion people.
- Despite its size, internal rivalries and diverse national interests among members prevent it from functioning as a unified anti-American bloc.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The SCO includes China, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, and several Central Asian republics. It represents a significant portion of the global population and GDP.
The timing is important. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remains unresolved, while the war between Iran and the US has turned the Persian Gulf into another theatre of strategic competition, with energy markets again exposed to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. The SCO now brings together China, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, most of the Central Asian republics and Belarus, alongside partners including Turkey and multiple Gulf states.
Its 10 full members represent more than 3.4 billion people and roughly a quarter of global GDP. However, its growing importance is not simply a matter of size.
Calling the SCO an anti-American alliance is a mistake. Its members have different interests. India and China remain strategic competitors; India and Pakistan have long-standing tensions; and Central Asian governments want room to manoeuvre between Moscow, Beijing, Ankara, Brussels and Washington. Turkey remains a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) member while pursuing a larger Eurasian role.
Open Questions
- How will internal rivalries affect future SCO policy decisions?
