Belarus To Join Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Expanding Geopolitical Influence

From left: Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Zhaparov, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajikistan's President Emo

A club of Eurasian countries led by China and Russia is poised to welcome Belarus into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at its annual summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. This move signifies a strategic shift towards establishing an alternative world order that challenges Western dominance.

Founded in 2001 to combat terrorism and enhance border security, the SCO has evolved under the shared ambitions of Beijing and Moscow to counter perceived US hegemony. With the expected inclusion of Belarus, the SCO will grow to 10 members, representing a significant portion of the global population and economy.

The SCO's expansion reflects China and Russia's geopolitical aspirations, with recent additions like Iran and now Belarus underscoring the organization's evolving mission. While the bloc aims to project itself as a major player on the international stage, concerns linger about its legitimacy and mandate given Belarus' support for Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Despite tensions within the SCO, particularly following the admission of India and Pakistan, China and Russia continue to drive the organization's anti-Western orientation. This stance has raised unease among members seeking to maintain good relations with Western powers.

Founded in 2001 to combat terrorism and enhance security.

SCO welcomes Belarus, challenging Western dominance.

SCO's growth to 10 members signifies global influence.

India's apparent disengagement from the SCO, as evidenced by Prime Minister Modi's absence from the summit, suggests a shift in priorities towards closer ties with the US. Even China, a key proponent of the SCO's expansion, is exploring direct engagement with Central Asia outside of Russia's influence.

As China prepares to assume the SCO presidency, efforts to foster unity among member states will be crucial for the organization's success. However, ongoing expansions may dilute the SCO's regional relevance and cohesion over time.

While China and Russia aim to position the SCO as a counterweight to Western institutions, the organization remains less cohesive compared to established alliances like NATO or the EU. The SCO's future trajectory will depend on its ability to navigate internal tensions and maintain relevance in the evolving global landscape.