Shanghai cooperation organization: problems and prospects

In: International affairs: a Russian journal of world politics, diplomacy and international relations, Band 50, Heft 3, S. 31-40

Abstract

Describes the innovative and successful Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) that recently began to function as an extension of Soviet-Chinese talks that were initiated to build greater confidence among the participating nations and to begin the reduction of armaments in border areas. Originally five members-China, Russia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan-expanded to eventually include Uzbekistan. The original border concerns of the international organization have expanded to include questions of security and economic and cultural cooperation. Discusses the historical and political context of the beginnings of the SCO in the late 1990s and early 2000s including the assorted summits and their accomplishments. The full functioning of the SCO beginning in 2004 is assessed with detailed examination of its security objectives and problems, economic and cultural cooperation, and future development prospects. Concludes that the SCO potential is good because it is developing into a viable international organization that engages, attracts, and respects a multipolar and diverse world.