SCO Expands Membership to Iran and Belarus

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transitioned from its 2001 origins as a border security collective into a strategic counterweight to Western-led institutions. The organization now spans over 60 percent of Eurasia's landmass and represents more than 40 percent of the global population, recently expanding its membership to include Iran and Belarus alongside China, India, Russia, and Pakistan.

Operating on principles of non-interference and sovereignty, the group facilitates joint counterterrorism exercises and major connectivity projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. This evolution reflects a broader rise in Eurasian agency and a shift toward a multipolar global order, where members of the Global South seek greater independence from Western prescriptions.

The organization currently serves as a primary platform for these regional powers to manage internal disputes and establish development agendas independently. By integrating economic and security frameworks, the group aims to secure a regional order centered on Eurasian interests rather than external influence.