IS THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION AN EFFECTIVE SECURITY ACTOR?

Abstract:

The article examines whether the SCO is an effective regional organization in maintaining the security of its member states. First established as a mechanism for resolving border issues among its members in 1996, it evolved into a regional organization focused on security issues, particularly the fight against terrorism, extremism, and separatism, in 2001. Starting in 2005, the SCO made efforts to solve problems in Afghanistan by establishing the Contact Group SCO-Afghanistan and inviting its President to each summit of the heads of state members. We will analyze whether it is a successful security actor or not in fighting three evils, supporting Afghanistan, and maintaining security among its members.

Keywords: Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Central Asia, security issues, terrorism, border issues, Afghanistan.