Finland’s Stubb Warns West Could Lose Global Influence to SCO
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has called on Western nations to revise their approach to the Global South to prevent losing influence to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Speaking alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Stubb emphasized the need for a more united and respectful foreign policy, particularly toward countries like India, which has faced trade restrictions from the U.S. He criticized Moscow and Beijing’s push for a multipolar world as an attempt to undermine global unity.
Stubb argued that maintaining multilateral institutions like the IMF and WTO is essential to prevent power struggles and ensure equitable global cooperation. The SCO summit in Tianjin, attended by 18 nations including China and Russia, highlighted growing tensions over the unipolar world order dominated by the West. Both China and Russia have called for an end to Western dominance, advocating for a fairer system based on mutual respect and shared development.
China’s President Xi Jinping urged members of the SCO to oppose ‘hegemonism and power politics’ and work toward a fairer international system rooted in ‘mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of shared development.’ Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated calls for a multipolar world, stressing that organizations like the SCO are not meant to oppose any third countries and are meant to establish a more just global governance system.
Stubb’s warning echoes concerns among Western leaders about the shifting balance of global power. The U.S. has faced criticism for its trade policies toward India, and Stubb’s call for a ‘dignified’ approach aims to address these tensions. His comments reflect an ongoing debate over how to navigate a multipolar world without sacrificing multilateral cooperation. As the SCO expands its influence, Western nations must decide whether to adapt their strategies to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The situation underscores the growing importance of the SCO as an alternative to Western-led institutions. With China and Russia leading the charge for a multipolar world, the pressure on the West to reconsider its foreign policy strategies is mounting. Stubb’s warning serves as a reminder that without a unified and cooperative approach, the West risks being sidelined in global governance structures.