The Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Should the U.S. be Concerned?

Abstract

Abstract : The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a multi-national, cooperative regional institution in post-Soviet Central Asia. A leading institution in a region that encompasses over 60 percent of the world s land mass, more than one-third the world's population, nearly 45 percent of the world s energy reserves, and a combined economy that nearly equals the United States (U.S.) gross domestic product, the SCO has significant influence over the world's economy and security. Moreover, the SCO is an organization exclusive of America, which may potentially threaten U.S. security and interests. Yet for a number of reasons, this potential threat may never become reality. The most critical reasons are the SCO members varied interests, which are often diametrically opposed. Regime survival underpins the cooperation between the primary SCO members; but it is not a sustainable foundation for this organization. Thus, as long as the SCO members maintain their opposing self-interests, the U.S. need not worry about the SCO. Yet, given the SCO strategic significance, U.S. leaders should monitor and engage this important institution to ensure American influence and interests in Central Asia remain secure well into the future.