Multilateralism As An Element Of Strategic Policy: A Case Study Of Shanghai Cooperation Organsition (SCO)(2001-)

In recent times, multilateralism is taking a pride place in the international system, nations are beginning to deem it more appropriate to engage at the multilateral level both regionally and globally in order to address global issues from a regional perspective. Furthermore, terrorism, environmental, territorial etc problems are becoming endemic within Central Asia, hence, the creation of the SCO by countries of Central Asia to carter for these problems. The paper, therefore, is to examine through multilateralism and multipolarity China–Russia strategic policy (military, security issues as well as economic security) within ambit of SCO. The extent to which multipolarity or multilateralism are genuine principles of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and in particular, how the multipolarity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization springs from, and reflects, Chinese-Russian relations - historically (in terms of evolution during,and since, the Cold War period), presently (in terms of the reorientationof both Russia and China during the last two decades and the growth ofrobust Sino-Russian cooperation), and in terms of possible futuredirection, as envisioned by the leadership of these two Powers .Today, given their status quo ante, China and Russia are playing vital roles through SCO for security and development of their respective countries. Importantly, is SCO achieving its purpose for which it was established? Are the strategic policies quite appropriate for multilateral development? What are the roles of china and Russia in the gamut of regional cooperation, development and security? The relations between these two strong nations as equal members in SCO having different roles to play as equal participants can therefore be important to address current global issues i.e. economic and security stability if extended to other regional and international levels. The above questions and others not put forward here will form the focus of this study. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the role of Chinese and Russian as major actors in the SCO and it's implications for the region and the international system as a whole.