The Expanding Role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the Context of Inter-Regional Integration between Central Asia and South Asia: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

This paper analyzes the role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an effective instrument for regional security, cooperation and integration between Central and South Asia. It has the capacity to counter both traditional and non-traditional security threats. The presence of both Central Asian and South Asian states as members actually complement each other. As both face similar security issue i.e. terrorism. Energy Security of both regions is the biggest complementary factor and have bright prospects of cooperation under SCO. Moreover, the presence of China and Russia, two major regional powers having aspiration for regional integration makes it an attractive option for carrying out the regional stability and deeper integration. The role of SCO seems to be expanding in the wake of this regional integration, where cooperation between China and Russia have a spillover effect on the whole region further strengthening through cooperation in security, energy and other economic and trade matters.

Dynamics of Regional Integration in Central Asia: A Case Study of Belt and Road Initiative

“…The political culture and civil society in Russia and the new states of Eurasia have also influenced the political dynamics in Central Asia, as the region shares historical and political ties with Russia and other post-Soviet states (Dawisha & Parrott, 1997). The presence of both Central Asian and South Asian states as members of the SCO complements each other, indicating the interconnectedness of political and security dynamics between Central Asia and South Asia (Siraj & Sartaj, 2019). Moreover, the foreign policy and international economic links of post-Soviet Central Asia have been affected by the influence of the region's internal dynamics on its exterior contacts (Yazdani, 2020).…”

“…Finally, the BRI has linked Central Asia to larger Asian markets, which would posture new business prospects and encourage regional collaboration (Fumagalli, 2016). Although the BRI has a significant role in the region the integration of this region has also been affected by other factors such as Russian influence, South Asian linkages, and international institutions (Contessi, 2016;Högselius, 2021;Mamyrova, 2020;Siraj & Sartaj, 2019). Disparities in development, political tensions, and the risk of excessive dependence on China represent a few of the obstacles that nations encounter in fully harnessing the advantages of integration.…”

“…This could create more cooperation among them and help with development (Khan, 2021). On a more cultural side, the BRI might also help strengthen ties between these countries, bringing their cultures and languages closer together (Siraj & Sartaj, 2019;Gezgin, 2020).…”

Dilemma of National Narrative The Case for Building Domestic and Regional Narratives for CPEC

“…It is evident that it serves as the shortest trade route for China to the Arabian Sea and then connecting it to West Asia and Europe bypassing the Strait of Malacca. Therefore, regional connectivity is producing new avenues of cooperation for landlocked states including Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan (Siraj & Sartaj, 2019). Given the fact that there exist several competing narratives against CPEC.…”