The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the People's Republic of China: Security Function Growth is Occurring Along Anti-Terrorism Lines

I will argue that the SCO is not failing as security organization (as many have claimed) but is in fact pivoting towards security and intelligence functions aimed at repressing subversive elements and domestic threats under the auspices of the Chinese three evils doctrine of separatism, extremism and terrorism. This paper identifies significant developments within the SCO and analyzes their security, intelligence and human rights implications. The SCO's normative documents show extensive security designs, and recent diplomatic information and quantitative media analysis data suggest these goals are bearing fruit. Realities on the ground over the SCO's lifespan indicate collective security cooperation that aligns with self-described goals for the organization as well as major players like the PRC. I argue that such development in security functionality is the result of shared domestic insecurity across SCO member-state territory and security functions are increasingly emphasized by Beijing.