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https://theconversation.com/xi-putin-and-modi-looking-in-different-directions-as-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-marks-25th-anniversary-291058>
"The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) marked its 25th anniversary in
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, with all the trappings a diplomatic
milestone demands.
There were 21 heads of state and government present for a ceremonial “family
photo” and two-page
Bishkek Declaration on September 1. A further 28
agreements included “strengthening multilateral partnership in nuclear safety
and nuclear security”.
On the face of it, the SCO appeared to be a confident bloc speaking with one
voice for roughly a quarter of humanity, while representing between 23% and 25%
of global GDP.
The real picture, however, is far less flattering. A quarter of a century in,
it remains primarily a forum for multiple parallel bilateral engagements and
deals between leaders. So far, so functional.
What the SCO has never become in 25 years is a body able to adjudicate the
disputes its members bring to the room – still less, the ones they wage
outside.
At its best, the SCO has been something narrower: a vehicle for bilateralism
which lets its most powerful members strike deals and settle scores. As they
often do this in very public ways, the messages they send more often than not
are for domestic consumption, to present themselves as staunch defenders of
strategic national interests."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
