‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Iran and Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Geopolitics and Eurasian Identity

Masoud Hamyani; Seyed mohammad kazem Sajjadpour

Volume 28, Issue 117 , June 2022, , Pages 71-98

Abstract

Following the emergence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an influential regional organization in the expanse of Eurasia in the early 21st century, Tehran has aptly recognized ... Read More Following the emergence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an influential regional organization in the expanse of Eurasia in the early 21st century, Tehran has aptly recognized this mechanism for spread of multilaterism, creation of a Eurasian order, and the connection of the country’s economy with the nonwestern capital and technology markets. On the other side, it has been for long that the Shanghai leaders have come to this conclusion that introducing new governments, both as permanent members and supervising members and participation in the talks, broadens not only the borders of the organization, but also helps alleviate criticisms concerning the limited scope of activities of the organization and increase its effectiveness. As a result, the founding members agreed to Iran full membership process at the 21st session of the organization, after Iran’s 15 years of waiting. The present paper intends to answer the key question below: What does Tehran full member mean, among the current geopolitical changes in Eurasia? And what role can Tehran play in completing the organization in integrating Eurasia? Based on the Constructivism Theory and Social Construct of regions, the findings of this research show, using the qualitative method and Inter-minded Horizon , that in a long term look , the Shanghai Organization provides a significant mechanism for achieving some goals of foreign policy , especially for the “Look to East” policy of Tehran. Full membership, also facilitates active participation of Tehran in shaping the security and economic status of the region. Tehran, in its turn , can play a major role in formulating and completing the Shanghai Organization, because Iran’s regional interests arise from the country’s goals in creating a Eurasian Society and preventing the region from becoming a hotbed of terrorism and extremism; using the country’s geo-economic capacities for creating a bridge between Asia and Europe, as well as Iran’s position as a hub of trade and connecting roads in the region , is compliant with the Shanghai Organization’s goals.

Rivalry and Divergence in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Through the lens of China – Russia and India - Pakistan disagreements)

Seyed Majid Qafelehbashi

Volume 25, Issue 105 , May 2019, , Pages 101-132

Abstract

The perspective of integration and deepening cooperation among SCO members within last two decades, especially after its recent geographical extension towards South Asia, is faced with ... Read More

Russia and China’s Counter measures against US in Eurasia

Ali Adami; Hasan Ainehvand

Volume 24, Issue 102 , October 2018, , Pages 1-33

Abstract

Many of Scholars of International Relations believe that the twenty first century should be entitled as Eurasia Century, since maritime and land dominance over this region, could change ... Read More

Comparative analysis of NATO and SCO Behaviors in Central Asia from 2001 to 2012

Hadi Soleimanpour; Masoud Akhshi

Volume 21, Issue 90 , October 2016, , Pages 119-151

Abstract

The strategic importance of Central Asian region emerged within the framework or global security challenges following 9/11. NATO engagement in Afghanistan and the US strategic ... Read More The strategic importance of Central Asian region emerged within the framework or global security challenges following 9/11. NATO engagement in Afghanistan and the US strategic shifts from “energy security" to "fighting against terrorism" in the region, together with its new approaches in various political, military and operational fields within the context of comprehensive theory of "cooperative security" encountered with the formation of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)and the formation of new regional security arrangement within the context of neo-regionalism theory. These developments indicate the importance of the Central Asia Region in the world politics and amongst major players of these two organizations namely US, Russia and China over the past decade. This article tries to answer the main question by using a comparative-descriptive method: How could security policies of NATO and SCO in Central Asian Region be studied and theoretically compared? The authors believe that, over the past decade, member states of the two organizations have shared tactical interest such as the stability of Afghanistan, the fight against drug trafficking, organized crimes and terrorism, all realized in terms of partnership mechanisms for NATO peace and NATO-Russia council. Therefore, despite the existence of mechanisms of cooperation to achieve tactical shared interests, two organizations disagreed on strategic subject matters such as the long term goals of the US in the region, the expansion of NATO to the East and the controlling and managing energy security in Central Asia. In the meantime, there are some elements such as NATO’s bilateral relationship with some Central Asian countries being affected by China and Russia policies, contradicting goals of major players, and lack of comprehensive institutional mechanism of consultation and cooperation in the two organizations have deepened the differences among them.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Common Security Threats in Central Asia

Volume 19, Issue 81 , June 2013, , Pages 1-28

Abstract

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) which is currently recognized as the most significant grouping in Central Eurasia has been under a great deal of scrutiny since its very ... Read More

‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

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Keywords = Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Iran and Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Geopolitics and Eurasian Identity

Abstract

Rivalry and Divergence in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Through the lens of China – Russia and India - Pakistan disagreements)

Abstract

Russia and China’s Counter measures against US in Eurasia

Abstract

Comparative analysis of NATO and SCO Behaviors in Central Asia from 2001 to 2012

Abstract

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Common Security Threats in Central Asia

Abstract