Central Asia, Energy Security and Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Abstract

[Sources of energy have assumed special strategic significance in recent times, particularly for fast growing and emerging economies. Central Asia sits atop the world’s major energy resources, and recent years have seen rapid developments in the exploitation and transportation of these resources to the outside world. At the same time, however, traditional and non-traditional security issues are growing in the region. Exploitation of Central Asian energy resources is taking place in a climate of vicious competition that threatens sustainable peace in the region. Apart from the well-established phenomenon of non-state actors, which poses serious challenges to regional security, non-traditional security issues include inter-ethnic and inter-faith tensions, climate change and the resultant water and environmental issues; and disputes over cross-border distribution of water, which provide a favorable atmosphere for non–state actors to further their agenda. Concerted regional efforts are required to tackle these deeply interlinked security issues. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has the elements to serve as an effective forum for such efforts, and needs to take proactive measures to fulfill its potential. – Ed ]-