At 25, Shanghai Cooperation Organization Is More Relevant Than Ever

As global multilateralism faces increasing pressure from major power divisions and multiplying conflicts, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) presents a contrasting narrative of expansion and diversified engagement. Marking its 25th anniversary, the SCO has become a key platform for dialogue across Eurasia, a success attributed not to ideology or military pacts, but to its focus on solving practical security problems.

The organization's foundation is built on a simple yet powerful principle: cooperation does not necessitate agreement on all issues. This approach was evident in the precursor Shanghai Five mechanism, which transformed relations among China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia. A significant breakthrough occurred in 1997 with an agreement to mutually reduce military forces in border areas, establishing a 7,500-kilometer zone of reduced military activity. This diplomatic achievement, where countries with complex histories chose cooperation over confrontation, turned potential tension points into areas for economic and people-to-people exchanges.

The SCO's lasting relevance extends beyond its history, rooted in its unique political culture. The "Shanghai Spirit" emphasizes mutual trust, equality, consultation, respect for diversity, and the search for common ground. This working method enables countries with different political systems and interests to maintain regular dialogue. Furthermore, the SCO plays a significant role in Eurasia's security architecture. While not a military alliance, its strategic weight is considerable, encompassing four nuclear-armed states and four major space powers with advanced capabilities.

The organization's success offers a clear lesson for contemporary international relations: security problems are more effectively prevented than resolved once they escalate into conflicts. This historical success has lent credibility to the SCO, paving the way for its expansion and continued influence in a fractured global landscape.