Alekseenko O.A. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as an Element of the Formation of Multipolar World at the Regional Level

Abstract: The article examines the main characteristics, particularities and political problems of integration within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. An important subject area of the research is the analysis of the specific features of relations between the SCO members in the context of their relations with third countries and organisations.The article shows the prospects of the development of the organisation as a regional integrative association under the formation of multipolar world. The article provides a detailed analysis of the key areas of the SCO's activities and their significance for the harmonisation of interests of the states in Central Asia.Methodological basis of the research is comprised by a broad range of scientific tools: comparative analytical method, SWOT analysis, structural-functional and system approaches. To investigate the problems of the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the formation of polycentric world, it is necessary to generalise and systematise the facts, based on the study of legal, analytical, historical and other documents, as well as to conduct scientific observation and comparative analysis. The present study has shown that the success of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation under the conditions of formation of polycentric world depends on a complex of factors influencing the course of the political process at different levels of integration in Central Asia. Despite the asymmetry of development due to the pluralism of views and interests, as well as the diversity of the members of the organisation, the most important prerequisite for the SCO's favourable development is the aspiration for the provision of security in Central Asia. This area will be relevant in the long-term. However, for the successful development of the international authority of the organisation, it is necessary to add an economic dimension to the political cooperation within the framework of SCO, observing the principles of the optimal cooperation between Russia and China.

Keywords: