The Rise of New Powers in World Politics: Russia,

Summary:

This article will evaluate the collboration of Russia and China through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in terms of its ability to balance the US. In this way, the efficiency of the SCO as a tool or mechanism of soft balancing will be examined. The first part of the article will draw on a theoretical framework through soft balancing and analyze the clash between the US and Russo-Chinese interests in Central Asia. Then, the capabilities of the SCO as a regional security organization and influence of Russia in terms of security will be explored. The second part of the article will discuss economic relations, analyzing global and bilateral economic partnerships against Washington’s global agenda. This part will focus on China’s economic rise and expansion and its usage of the SCO as an umbrella organization. Additionally, the article will examine the importance of bilateral energy agreements and trade routes projects such as the One Belt One Road (OBOR). Lastly, the "Shanghai Spirit" and challenges to the SCO in terms of creating an identity and solid alliance will be discussed.