The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in July concluded with lingering doubts about the organization’s effectiveness. Originally formed as the Shanghai Five by China in 1996, the SCO initially consisted of Central Asian states, Russia, and China, later expanding to include India, Pakistan, and Iran.
The summit produced a lengthy declaration by the Council of Heads of States, filled with grand statements and a wide range of initiatives. However, the highlight was Belarus’ membership accession. Despite boasting about the member’s significant global population, landmass, and GDP share, the SCO’s achievements remain minimal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from the summit reflected tensions between India and its traditional rivals China and Pakistan, undermining the SCO’s goal of presenting a united non-Western front. The organization has struggled to institutionalize cooperation in key areas within Central Asia due to Russia’s concerns about China’s dominance.
The SCO’s efficacy is questioned as it mainly serves as a platform for meetings rather than concrete action. Despite signing agreements, implementation and cooperation remain lacking, similar to the challenges faced by SAARC.
Central Asian states are increasingly focusing on their own regional cooperation initiatives, sidelining the SCO. Russia and China’s competing interests hinder regional cooperation, leading to minimal progress within the organization.
While ASEAN has successfully promoted regional cooperation, SAARC and the SCO struggle due to internal conflicts and external influences. The SCO’s inability to resolve territorial disputes and promote economic cooperation highlights its limitations compared to other regional organizations.
As the SCO grapples with internal dissent and external pressures, its future remains uncertain as member states increasingly prioritize individual regional agendas over collective action.