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Opinion
How SCO’s growing credibility reflects the emerging multipolar world order
- The SCO’s expansion and cooperation efforts are cementing its standing as a credible multilateral platform focused on maintaining security, stability and development in Eurasia
- The Samarkand summit should also be seen as a step towards a more inclusive and diverse global governance model
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Adriel Kasonta is a London-based political risk consultant and lawyer, and a graduate of London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Recently, the eyes of the world turned to the ancient city of Samarkand, located in a large oasis in Uzbekistan’s Zerrafshan River valley. This was the venue for the first Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in three years to be held entirely offline, bringing together the leaders of 14 major Eurasian countries.
Established in 2001 by China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the SCO has grown to become the world’s largest regional organisation, spanning 60 per cent of Eurasia, home to more than 3 billion people and accounting for a quarter of the global economy – with realistic potential to reach 35 per cent or more, given the interest it is attracting.
The organisation’s decision last year to launch the procedure to admit Iran was arguably the most critical development in its expansion. This year, Iran was welcomed as a permanent member after it signed a memorandum of obligations. Although the ratification of documents is expected to take until next year, Iran was admitted into members-only meetings at the summit.
After Iran’s success, Belarus has applied for full SCO membership and Nato member Türkiye is reportedly considering doing the same.
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