On September 2, at the Center for Civic Analytics “Vezha”, Valerii Klychok and political scientist Ihor Chalenko analyzed the outcomes of the 25th anniversary Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Tianjin.
The discussion focused on the geopolitical signal sent by China and its allies, challenging US influence. The summit did not yield concrete decisions, but highlighted attempts to form a new world power center, with China and Russia emphasizing their role in ending WWII and calling for a “fairer world order”.
The experts noted that although India is a member of both SCO and BRICS, it continues autonomous policies, seeking to strengthen its global position. Beyond economic solutions, China is rapidly building up its military capacity, including nuclear warheads, and seeks to extend its security influence.
The conversation touched on growing global challenges: Europe’s rearmament, rises in military preparedness, and preparations for potential conflicts involving major players. Current dynamics resemble a new “Cold War”, with escalation risks increasing, while any future global conflict would likely differ from previous wars due to digital, space and technological advancements.
Special attention was paid to the persistent collaboration between China and Russia in the UN, formation of alternative alliances, and the role of information policy. The growing number of SCO and BRICS members, while reducing practical effectiveness, has increased global diversity.
The key takeaway: the confrontation today is more a competitive “cold war” than inevitable full-scale armed conflict, though rising tensions pose additional risks for the world.
