Strategic implications of the evolving Shanghai Cooperation Organization
By: Henry Plater-Zyberk with Andrew Monaghan
Contributors: Monaghan, Andrew, Dr, author; Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute; Army War College (U.S.). Press
Publisher: Strategic Studies Institute and U.S. Army War College Press
Published: 2014
Place of publication: Carlisle, PA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 66
ISBN-13: 9781584876335
Subjects: International Security; Foreign relations; Strategic aspects; Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Description: The role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in regional politics and the significance of the organization for U.S. interests are widely misunderstood. The organization is emphatically not a military bloc, and yet engages in joint activities which resemble military cooperation to U.S. eyes. It is, in theory, open to new members; but at present is highly unlikely to accept any. Its rhetoric firmly opposes U.S. presence and activity on the territory of member states, and yet individual member states leverage basing agreements with the U.S. to their advantage. The author reviews SCO's history and stated aspirations, and measures these against actual achievements. He concludes that, with the notable exception of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), the great majority of SCO accomplishments are of little significance other than to provide an additional multinational vehicle through which China and in particular Russia can seek to counter U.S. and Western activity in Central Asia.
Notes: "August 2014."

Includes bibliographical references.
Table of contents: title: An accidental alliance; title: Following China and Russia; title: Scope for enlargement; title: No threat?; title: Future plans and contemporary realities; title: RATS; title: Outlook.