Putin Signs Secret Pact to Crush NATO
By Marin Katusa, Chief Energy Investment Strategist
In September 2021, an unusual summit took place in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. This gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) went largely unnoticed by mainstream media, yet it carries significant implications for global geopolitics.
The SCO, which comprises Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, was established to foster regional cooperation and security. However, it also serves as a strategic counterbalance to NATO, a goal that aligns with President Putin’s ambitions. Although the organization officially advocates for nonalignment and noninterference, its member states conduct joint military exercises, revealing a more complex agenda.
India, Pakistan, and Iran
Since its inception, Russia has approached the SCO carefully, balancing its interests with those of China in Central Asia. To counter US dominance, Putin is actively forming alliances worldwide. Many analysts anticipated that the Dushanbe meeting would signal a historic expansion of the organization, potentially inviting new member states. However, the focus shifted primarily to the crisis in Ukraine, with members voicing their support for Russia’s stance.
Despite putting expansion on hold, the desire to include new countries remains. As the rotating chairmanship moves to Moscow, the next summit in July 2015 in Ufa could set the stage for this process to gain momentum. During the Dushanbe gathering, participants signed important documents outlining the criteria for potential new members, establishing a framework for future inclusivity.
The geopolitical stakes are high as India and Pakistan both seek membership, along with Iran. Their inclusion could dramatically shift regional dynamics and strengthen the organization’s influence.
A Geopolitical Game Changer
Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, acknowledged the complexities surrounding this expansion, including longstanding tensions between India and China, India and Pakistan, and sanctions against Iran. Bringing these adversaries together will require deft diplomacy, a skill at which Putin has proven adept.
Looking ahead, Putin envisions broadening the SCO’s role in regional security, launching significant economic projects, and enhancing cultural ties among member nations. He plans to introduce a long-term development strategy during the upcoming summit, further solidifying the organization’s position on the global stage.
The international community should closely monitor the SCO’s developments. The potential inclusion of India, Pakistan, and Iran would transform the organization into a formidable geopolitical entity, uniting nearly 40% of the world’s population and comprising some of the fastest-growing economies. This shift could also pave the way for the SCO to emerge as a rival to NATO and challenge the dominance of Western financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank.
In my analysis presented in The Colder War, I argue that Putin aims to undermine the US dollar’s supremacy and elevate Russia’s influence in global affairs. Events in Tajikistan and the anticipated summit in Ufa are pivotal moments that warrant significant attention.
Sincerely,
Marin Katusa
for Economic Prism
[Editor’s Note: Marin Katusa, the author of The Colder War, has insights into how Vladimir Putin navigates the global energy landscape. His extensive knowledge has driven substantial investment success, significantly outperforming market benchmarks. To learn more about Putin’s plans and their implications, click here for a copy of Marin’s book. The article Putin Signs Secret Pact to Crush NATO was originally published at caseyresearch.com.
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