CERC Public Seminar: 'Russia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and Central Asia'

Tuesday 27 April 1:00-2:00pm
at Room 212, Level 2, 234 Queensberry Street, The University of Melbourne

presented by

Dr Viacheslav Amirov

(Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Moscow)

Abstract

Russia has identified Central Asia as a zone of its vital national interests since mid-1990s. It has worked to achieve peace and stability on its southern flank through a range of means, including integrationist projects, bilateral cooperation, and multilateral alliances such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The SCO, which incorporates Russia, China, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan began as a vehicle to settle border disputes in the region. However, it has quickly evolved as a major political and military bloc that has the potential to change the geopolitical situation in Asia. In light of this the paper asks: Are Russia and China , as the two dominant regional powers, likely to cooperate harmoniously in the SCO and beyond? To what extent would counter-containment of the USA underpin this cooperation? Is the growing Russian military presence in Central Asia considered a threat by its neighbours? What are the prospects for a greater involvement of India and Iran in the regional security framework?

Biography

Dr Amirov graduated from Moscow State University ’s Economic Faculty in 1971 and has been a member of the pivotal and premier Institute of World Economy & International Relations (IMEMO) since 1975. He is a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and currently holds the position of Senior Research Fellow & Executive Secretary of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies. His major research areas include Russia in the Asia Pacific Region, Russia's relations with Northeast Asia (particularly Japan and China), East Asia Economic Integration, Japan-China and US-China relations and Australia ’s role in the Asia Pacific Region.