Shifting From the West? The Middle East is SCOping out the “Asian Club”

MED THIS WEEK, ITALIAN INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL STUDIES

“Certainly, China and Russia have long dominated the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) since it was established two decades ago. However, as the SCO’s membership grows, it could potentially pose a challenge to the two leaders as power becomes more diffuse. India and Pakistan, for instance, previously brought South Asian issues and their rivalry into the SCO. There’s no reason to think that Iran’s recent membership and Saudi Arabia’s decision to become a dialogue partner could not do the same for the Gulf. At the same time, international relations are becoming growingly multipolar and states self-interested, resulting in an increase in transactional behaviour between them – which could lead to pushback. While Iran seeks solidarity and support against the West through the SCO, Saudi Arabia has yet to abandon its traditional US ally. That could put a block on any efforts to advance influence by China or others.”
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