Shanghai Cooperation Organization: 25 Years: Present and Prospects In 2026, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) celebrates its 25th anniversary. Created in 2001 on the basis of the "Shanghai Five" (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), it has become the largest regional organization in the world. Today, the SCO includes 10 member states (Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus), as well as 4 observer states and 13 dialogue partners. The territory of the SCO covers about 40% of the world's population and 20% of global GDP. A quarter of a century is the age of maturity. What has been achieved? What are the challenges and where is the organization heading further? History: from combating terrorism to a global platform The SCO began as a mechanism for resolving border disputes between China and the countries of the former USSR. After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the focus shifted to combating the "three evil forces" (terrorism, separatism, extremism). In 2004, the Regional Antiterrorist Structure (RATS) was created. In 2017, India and Pakistan were admitted, strengthening the geopolitical weight. In 2023, Iran joined, and in 2024, Belarus. Today, the SCO is a platform for discussing security, economy, energy, transport, and cultural cooperation. Economic dimension: from projects to real actions The economic agenda of the SCO was long behind. But in recent years, projects have been launched: the "North-South" transport corridor connecting Russia, Iran, and India (via the Caspian); construction of a gas pipeline from Russia to China ("Sila Sibiri-2"? negotiations are ongoing); China's "Belt and Road" initiative partially overlaps with SCO interests. The SCO Development Bank (possibly in 2025?) has been created but has not yet started operating. Economic successes are more modest than political ones, but there is momentum. Security: successes and failures The RATS has cond ... Read more