CroatiaThe 26th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marks a significant diplomatic event aimed at strengthening ties among non-Western nations. The summit, aligned with the organization’s 25th anniversary, highlights Russia’s leadership role and its vision for the SCO to become a major player in global politics by expanding membership and influence. The SCO, originally established in 2001 by China, Russia, and Central Asian states, now includes ten member states and numerous dialogue partners. The summit comes amid geopolitical tensions between Western powers and countries like Russia, China, and Iran, which view the SCO as an alternative to Western-led institutions such as the G7. Russia seeks to counter Western economic and political dominance by promoting itself as a defender of the 'poor south' against the 'golden billion', a term used to describe wealthy liberal democracies. While Russia emphasizes its strategic goals, including securing new energy markets and challenging Western norms, China remains the dominant force within the SCO, focusing on its own interests, particularly through infrastructure projects like the Power of Siberia 2.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the SCO as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions like the G7, portraying Russia and China as champions of the 'south' against the 'golden billion' (Western capitalist powers). This narrative aligns with leftist critiques of Western neoliberalism and imperialism. The ph
