Analysis Of The Development Of The Shanghai Cooperation Organization

In June 2001, the heads of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan signed the "Declaration of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization". From then on, the six countries that established the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) display themselves on the world stage. The SCO aims for saving the regional peace, security and promoting regional economic development, as well as playing stress on upholding the common interests of member countries. They also seek common development and common prosperity. It follows the"Shanghai Spirit", which is"mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and seeking common development". It insists on Non-Aligned, opening to the outside world that is not directed against other countries and regions. During these years, in the efforts of all members, the SCO has made certain achievements in the areas of security and economy. However, we should also see that the security cooperation of the organization has arduous tasks. The economic cooperation of internal members have many difficulties. Regional economic development still faces a more complex regional political and security situation challenges. Facing the new international environment and the regional situation, how to maintain regional security and promote regional economic development to meet the challenges, and how to play a positive and effective role is gradually put on the agenda.In this paper, the main research object is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We use the international relation theory as a guide, combining history and reality of the SCO. We hope to find the question and solve them. Finally, we will draw a picture of the development of the SCO.There are four components of this paper.The first part is the development process of the SCO. In this section, the background of the establishment of the SCO is introduced as well as its purpose and mission. And then the changes of the political and economic environment of central Asia before and after the establishment of the SCO are also addressed. Accordingly the rationality and the importance of its establishment is revealed. The second part mainly discusses the opportunities and challenges that the SCO is facing. SCO's opportunities are mainly embodied in the vast range of political, economic and security cooperation of space. At the same time, energy and transport cooperation in the SCO is a bright spot and the main direction of development. However, just like other emerging regional groups, the SCO is also facing a severe test. From the internal factors, the deficiency of operational capacity, the lack of an internal driving force and the illegibility of the intersection of interests hinder its development. Simultaneously the intervention of outside forces also makes the organization trudge the way. Confused by the unstable situation in the region, the unbalanced economic development and the continuous intervention and destruction from Western forces, the SCO has to be confronted with a tremendous challenge.The third part introduces the strategic choice of the geo-political and economic interests of the SCO members. China, Russia and four central Asian countries have different needs, and in different levels participate in the regional cooperation of the SCO.Part four is the core of this thesis, namely the future development path of the SCO. From one point of view, the internal construction of regional group is very important. Carrying forward the"Shanghai Spirit"as a cohesive force, building and properly positioning the identity of organizations compose one important condition for the development of the SCO. From another point of view, outside construction is also indispensable. Establishing integrated security system and developing free trade zones are the fundamental means for SCO development.