A new geopolitical game surfaced in Dushanbe during the 20th SCO Summit. Perhaps this will mark the beginning of the Eurasian alliance as the United States’ unipolar movement is set to fade away. According to the Dushanbe Declaration, the rise of the multipolar world is set to be in motion. A world where democratic values adhere, international law is preserved, cultural diversity is celebrated, and bilateral and equal cooperation is appreciated. The United Nations will be seen as a revered body pursuing a coordinating role in this regard.
During the last few weeks, Afghanistan has emerged as a key topic when geopolitics is discussed. Indeed, the countries from South Asia and the Western hemisphere will keep a close eye on the developments in Afghanistan after the rise of the Taliban. A step forward to curb the Afghan conundrum was taken on September 21. Abdullah Abdullah met with former Afghan president Hamid Karzai. Also present were Zamir Kabulov, Russian presidential envoy; Yue Xiaoyong, China’s special envoy; and Mohammad Sadiq Khan, Pakistan’s special envoy.
During the SCO, it was also the three-country alliance of China, Pakistan, and Russia that discussed and deliberated upon the crisis in Afghanistan. The SCO reached a consent that Pakistan will be in discussion with the Taliban regarding the establishment of an inclusive government.
Now that the US has ended its mission in Afghanistan, it is expected that Kabul will become a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Moreover, Washington’s exit from Afghanistan will lead to a Eurasian alignment that will be against the United States’ geopolitical will.
Iran is another regional player that has had a continuous tussle with the US. During the recent SCO Summit, Iran moved a step closer to acquiring a full membership. In his opening address, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the organization “will launch procedures to admit Iran as a member state.”
China and Russia have been supportive of Iran and its inclusion in the SCO. This will help Tehran in its tussle with the US. Russia has been eyeing the establishment of a polycentric (multipolar) world order as opposed to the bipolar world order. Similarly, China envisions a democratic world that fades Washington’s plans for dominance.
The current rise of the Eurasian alliance is akin to the Concert of Europe during the 19th century when the European balance of power was maintained to avoid conflict. Furthermore, the European Union’s foreign ministers plan to launch a global infrastructure plan to link Europe with the world that will counter China’s BRI project. Only time will tell if Eurasia will become a formidable opponent to shrink the US hegemony.
When talking about global unity, the SCO dialogue partners now include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, acquiring the same status as that of Turkey and Afghanistan. It is expected that Syria, Iraq, Serbia, Lebanon among others will join this list next year. A geopolitical harmony and the rise of a bloc comprising states from the Middle East and South Asia will herald economic prospects in this region.
Moreover, the China-Russia alliance will foster a Greater Eurasia region where Asian and European nations strive to pursue bilateral trade and relations. The formation of industries and corridors of trade and transport will direct the Eurasian geo-economic instruments of power.
The exit of the US from South Asia will accentuate geopolitical and geo-economic activity in the region having its impact on the Middle East and Europe. Perhaps the years to come will witness the rise of a multipolar world that brings to the fore a unified geopolitical arena. The US era may already be fading.