Assessing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Prospects for Greater Global Influence
The SCO, marking 25 years, faces internal disagreements and limited cooperation that hinder its rise as a major world player.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation still struggles to translate its demographic and economic weight into global clout. A recent meeting of the ten members' foreign ministers in Cholpon-Ata yielded a collective declaration on regional issues, but it did not erase longstanding rifts, notably the antagonism between India and Pakistan that often derails unified positions. The SCO Secretary General has noted around 20 applicants seeking various forms of membership, yet New Delhi and Islamabad have repeatedly blocked newcomers such as Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Bangladesh’s aspiration to join faces potential opposition from India, while Russia, entangled in its own crises, lacks leverage to pressure Delhi. These dynamics underscore the bloc’s limited financial integration and security cooperation, restricting its influence beyond the region.
Why it matters
The SCO's ability to act as a cohesive force affects security and economic policies across Eurasia.
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