Abstract
This article is theoretically based on the theory of neoliberalism anchored on multilateral security cooperation presented by Robert O. Keohane, John Ruggie, and James Caporaso. In this regard, the main purpose of this article is to study the movements of nations trying to secure regional supremacy based on the concept of multinationalism in Central Asia, with a focus on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Related to this, this study aims to discuss various aspects of Russia–China cooperation and competition, which particularly lead to the construction of a multilateral security and cooperation system centering on the SCO based on the concept of multilateral security operation as a utilitarian foreign policy. The SOC has pursued an open alliance and joint position, as well as solving regional and global problems on the basis of mutual interests. Russia and China have maintained cooperation in fields such as “multilateral security and energy,” but have different understanding of “American influence, restraining NATO’s proceeding the East, and expansion of member countries’ issues.”
The SCO has now expanded cooperation by institutionalizing exchanges in economy, trading, culture, energy, education, and other areas of foreign strategy and the international society’s view of China and Russia inevitably affects the stand and recognition of other member countries. Both countries have given priority to national interest on particular issues, but they would actively utilize the SOC to establish diversified relations and establish a new order in the Eurasian Continent. This alliance has centered on the SCO and expanded the role of a new oil road led by Russia as a transportation hub interconnecting the Eurasian continent. The two nations have likewise promoted security, rights and interests of member nations through joint actions to deal with the threats of Islamic extremism, separatism and international terrorist activities.
However, it is expected that Russia will have a containment policy toward the bilateral energy and economic cooperation with the SCO member nations with China emerging as a G2 nation. It also seems that the expansion of economic aid toward Central Asia from China, the rise of China as a maximum beneficiary of energy supply through the pipeline construction and the improvement of trade relations and competition with Russia can be a conflict factor with respect to the SCO.
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