Given the acute crisis of polarization and anti-globalization rumpus, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is taking a centre stage on international landscape by bridging the regional gaps, minimizing global divide and answering the call of times. Credit goes to “magical power” of Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development.
Since the time of establishment 24 years ago, the SCO has gained regional and international appeal because neither it opposes or targets anyone, nor does it operate on the basis of small circle’s interests; its original intention and core principle are to engage in dialogue based on the idea of “one earth and one family with one future.
The SCO originated from post-Cold War geopolitical shifts in Asia, with Central Asian countries seeking stable partnerships to address security challenges.
Over time, the “family” of the SCO has grown from its original six founding states to the current 10 member states, with 2 observer states and 14 dialogue partners-26 countries in total across three continents. Collectively, these nations cover over 36 million square kilometers (more than 65% of the Eurasian landmass) and include more than 3.3 billion people, around 42% of the global population.
Besides SCO members hold over 25% of oil reserves, 50% of gas, 35% coal, and half the world’s uranium-a resource base with significant strategic leverage. In terms of economic gains, trade volume among SCO countries has been more than $25 trillion which is almost 25 percent of the global trade and further cooperation will further increase the trade volume which will result in economic growth and reducing poverty. This makes the SCO the largest transregional organization in the world in terms of both territory and population.
Thanks to concerted efforts by its member states, the SCO continues to broaden cooperation in six main areas: politics, security, economics, humanitarian outreach, foreign policy, and institution-building. The organization has demonstrated an effective model for peaceful development, acting as a safeguard for security, a bridge of cooperation, and a bond of friendship. It stands as a constructive force supporting comprehensive security and stability, as well as common development and prosperity, laying the groundwork for a new type of international relations.
Internationally, SCO Foreign Ministers’ Council meeting held on July 15, in Tianjin, hosted by China under the chair of Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, created interesting ripples because it provided a fresh space for interaction between two nuclear-armed countries-Pakistan and India-that plunged into war two month back.
Though 0ne of the significant challenges faced by the SCO is navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of its member states. Pakistan, India, China, and Russia and Iran-key players within the SCO-each have their own strategic priorities and regional interests, which at times serve oddity with one another.
Nonetheless, the SCO provides a rare multilateral platform where rival nations, can engage in dialogue, helping to mitigate tensions and foster greater cooperation. The upcoming 2025 heads summit will offer an opportunity for these nations to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions aimed at advancing regional peace and stability.
The SCO’s primary goals like regional security, economic cooperation, and political trust-building are well-aligned with global powers’ endeavours to pursue ambitions on geo-strategic, geo-economic and geo-political stages. The organization combines military, economic, and cultural efforts into a unified policy framework. Addressing terrorism, extremism, and separatism forms the foundation for ongoing cooperation, but the SCO also focuses on infrastructure development, border stability, and technological collaboration. The organization emphasizes international law and state sovereignty, moving beyond just military concerns.
In the backdrop of The Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) heads of state summit, set to be held later next month from August 31 to September 1, the group has converged with BRICS objectives-both champion non-West multilateralism, challenge dollar dominance, and set up alternative financial bodies. Together, they embody an anti-hegemonic axis-with informal alignment accruing diplomatic weight.
Observer and Dialogue states include Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Sri Lanka-signaling ambition to reshape global governance chains beyond Eurasia .
Looking ahead, the SCO is likely to continue expanding its influence both within the region and on the global stage. The inclusion of new members and dialogue partners could further strengthen the organization, allowing it to take on a greater role in global governance. The 2024 summit could see discussions on expanding the SCO’s membership, with potential candidates including Afghanistan, a country whose stability is critical to the region.
As the SCO continues to evolve, its ability to foster collaboration among diverse nations will be instrumental in shaping the future of the region and ensuring that Eurasia remains a vital player in the global arena.
The SCO stands at an inflection point. It is both a product and driver of the emerging multipolar world-oscillating between rhetorical defiance and fledgling structural resilience. In the face of fragile Western-led institutions, it presents an alternative: a sprawling Eurasian bloc sharing insurgent economic ambitions, hybrid security frameworks, and an expanding diplomatic footprint.
But its future relevance depends on whether it can institutionalize power-overcoming consensus paralysis, language of solidarity, and symbolic expansion. As the world tilts toward complexity, resource competition, and strategic rivalry, the SCO offers a window into how newly empowered nations may reimagine collective power
The SCO originated from post-Cold War geopolitical shifts in Asia, with Central Asian countries seeking stable partnerships to address security challenges. The “Shanghai Five” meeting in 1996 marked the beginning of this cooperation, and in 2001, Uzbekistan’s inclusion formalized the SCO. The formation was driven by political, security, and economic needs, particularly to address threats like separatism and extremism. The SCO’s structure reflects collective, non-hegemonic values. The Council of Heads of State is the highest decision-making body, with each member state holding equal rights in policy decisions. The permanent Secretariat in Beijing coordinates administrative functions, while the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent handles security matters.
The writer is a senior Journalist. He is also President of Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR).