In an era where geopolitical tensions and global challenges demand robust cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of liberal institutionalism in international relations. Liberal institutionalism, a theory that emphasizes the pivotal role of international institutions in fostering cooperation and stability, finds a compelling real-world application in the SCO. Through its initiatives in security, economic development, and cultural exchange, the SCO not only mitigates regional challenges but also underscores the necessity of multilateral institutions in promoting global peace and stability.
In July 2024, Kazakhstan is poised to host the SCO Summit, a significant event that highlights the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and its strategic role in the Central Asian region. Kazakhstan’s role as the chair of the SCO has yielded significant outcomes throughout the year. This can be witnessed by the recently concluded SCO Foreign Ministers Council Meeting in Astana on May 21, 2024. The meeting was crucial as the heads exchanged views on the international and regional situation, security, and the enhancement of cooperation within the SCO across political, trade, economic, and humanitarian spheres. Notably, twenty-two resolutions were signed, focusing on multilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian sectors.
This active engagement has paved the way to formulate a comprehensive agenda for the upcoming SCO summit, which is anticipated to garner global attention.
Throughout its chairmanship, Kazakhstan’s proactive leadership has been instrumental in maintaining regional peace and security, as well as promoting cultural cooperation. By adhering to principles of a multivector foreign policy, Kazakhstan has consistently acted as a crucial ally in bringing major powers together on a single platform.
Under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan has been a staunch advocate for regional cooperation and multilateralism. The country’s strategic location and multivector foreign policy have positioned it as a pivotal player in regional political discourse. Therefore, the leadership’s efforts to establish a clear roadmap of regional cooperation clearly indicate Kazakhstan’s growing influence and ability to act as a bridge between East and West, North and South.
Moreover, Kazakhstan’s leadership has been extending efforts to resolve the existing systematic barriers in the SCO, such as lack of funds, delays in implementing major economic projects, and the non-feasibility of direct and easy financial/banking support systems within the SCO region. To address this issue, using the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) as a hub to boost financial and portfolio investments in SCO-funded regional initiatives could be beneficial. This unique cooperation could unlock new opportunities for economic cooperation and growth within the SCO region.
The upcoming summit is expected to focus on several key issues, including economic collaboration, regional security, counter-terrorism, and cultural exchange. Kazakhstan’s vision for the summit aligns with the liberal approach in international relations, which emphasizes cooperation, interdependence, and the rule of law. This perspective is particularly relevant in the context of the SCO, where mutual respect and non-interference are fundamental principles. Furthermore, Kazakhstan has shown a strong commitment to addressing environmental issues and enhancing digital connectivity within the framework of the SCO.
From an economic standpoint, Kazakhstan’s hosting of the summit provides an opportunity to advance regional trade and investment. The country’s internal ambitious, i.e., “Nurly Zhol” economic policy aims to develop infrastructure and boost connectivity. This initiative complements China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By aligning these initiatives, the SCO can facilitate greater economic integration, creating new opportunities for growth and development in Kazakhstan and across the region.
On the security front, the SCO has been instrumental in fostering collaboration against terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Kazakhstan, with its experience in promoting regional security, is well-placed to lead discussions on enhancing the SCO’s capabilities in this area. The summit will likely see a reaffirmation of the commitment to collective security and the development of new strategies to address emerging threats.
Kazakhstan’s role as an emerging leader in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is mainstreaming the voice of the people of Central Asia and the whole of Eurasia to the West. The country has offered proposals to enhance cultural and humanitarian cooperation among SCO countries. This aligns with Kazakhstan’s potential contributions to cultural exchange. The nation’s diverse cultural heritage and its emphasis on promoting understanding and tolerance can help foster a shared future for the SCO members.
Initiatives to enhance people-to-people contacts, educational exchanges, and cultural events can strengthen the bonds between the diverse populations of the SCO countries. These efforts should be linked in making visa-free zones for tourists to visit religious shrines, sacred places, and cultural hubs within the SCO region.
In a nutshell, Kazakhstan’s hosting of the SCO Summit 2024 represents a significant milestone in regional cooperation. Previous SCO summits have influenced geopolitical strategies. Therefore, it is essential to achieve fair agreements and establish policies on pressing safety issues like water security, food security, and combating extremism in the region. As Kazakhstan leads the way, the summit is poised to enhance the SCO’s role in promoting peace, stability, and development in Eurasia.
