At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, global dynamics are shifting away from Western dominance, signaling a new era in international relations. The summit, strategically hosted ahead of a Chinese military parade commemorating the end of World War II, underscores the growing influence of non-Western nations. While the summit produced several agreements, its true significance lies in the evolving geopolitical landscape it represents. This gathering is part of a broader movement toward a multipolar world order, where Western-centric hierarchies are being replaced by a more diverse and collaborative approach.
The summit’s timing, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the World War II end, was symbolic. It highlighted the contrast with the United States, where President Donald Trump is planning a grand parade for America’s 250th anniversary. Unlike the West’s traditional dominance, the SCO and BRICS organizations are increasingly becoming key players in shaping international agendas. These groups are no longer just ideological alternatives to Western hegemony but practical platforms for cooperation, leading to the formation of new financial institutions such as the BRICS New Development Bank and SCO Development Bank.
The West, particularly the United States and Europe, struggles to accept such developments. While Western leaders view these institutions as threats, the reality is that non-Western states are asserting their right to set global agendas and engage in cooperation without Western oversight. The Trump administration’s approach has inadvertently accelerated this shift, as many nations reject being treated as clients under Western tutelage. Russia and China, in particular, are central to this transformation, with their growing influence and the formation of new alliances and agreements marking a significant realignment in global politics.