| ID | 108538 |
| Title Proper | Shanghai Cooperation Organization |
| Other Title Information | a new force in Asian security? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Weitz, Richard |
| Publication | 2011. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The size and resources at the disposal of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO) give the institution inherent geopolitical potential. Combined, the organization's
full members and observers encompass much of the world's habitable landmass
and almost half its population. The SCO governments engage in a number of mutual
security activities. For example, regular meetings occur among the defense ministers,
armed forces chiefs, general staffs, and border commanders of the SCO governments.
Contacts are even more common among mid-level military officers, especially
those in charge of border security units and military units in nearby SCO territories.
Military experts from SCO countries also engage in regular direct discussions related
to their functions. In addition, for several years SCO members have undertaken
numerous joint initiatives to combat narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
Increasingly, these are directed at establishing a security "belt" around Afghanistan,
which is seen as the source of most of the region's narco-trafficking. Still, the most
important SCO military activities are its major security exercises, which have
become quite extensive in recent years. Yet, the failure of the organization to have
much of an impact on Afghanistan and especially Kyrgyzstan-which after all is
a SCO member-raises doubts about its developing security role in Asia. |
| `In' analytical Note | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 23, No. 1; Mar 2011: p.133-148 |
| Journal Source | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 23, No. 1; Mar 2011: p.133-148 |
| Key Words | Shanghai Cooperation Organization ; Asian Security ; Afghanistan ; Kyrgyzstan ; China |