Eurasian alliances like the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) already provide a framework for promoting the security and economic interests of the Eurasian countries. The security system proposed by President Putin appears to be the most appropriate option, writes Raza Muhammad, President of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute, for the 21st Annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club.
Post-Cold War Order- New Realities and New Principles
After the Cold War ended, a new era of unilateralism, led predominantly by the United States, began to take shape. This period was marked by a series of high-intensity, expensive, and often devastating military interventions, particularly across the Middle East and Asia. Despite its efforts, however, the United States’ ambition to establish an uncontested global hegemony encountered significant challenges. The swift economic rise of China, alongside the emergence of the European Union and Russia as influential political and economic powers, gradually shifted the balance. As a result, the brief phase of unipolarity gave way to an increasingly multipolar world, characterised by a complex distribution of power among multiple global actors.
Some political scientists argue that the current global landscape represents an era of “unbalanced multipolarity”, in which several middle powers are emerging as significant players, with some standing out as stronger than the others. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, President Vladimir Putin described multipolarity as an irreversible and essential step towards a fair and balanced world order. However, with military and economic power increasingly concentrated in two dominant poles – China and the United States – multipolarity is gradually spearheading a nascent form of bipolarity. This shift signals a return to bloc politics, with alliances and rivalries shaping the international order once again.
To achieve this, the US has been forming security alliances, such as QUAD, AUKUS, SQUAD, and I2U2. These alliances, often referred to as “mini-lateral” partnerships, are aimed primarily at containing China's influence and expanding the US presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Under the stated goal of safeguarding “freedom of navigation” for all nations, these alliances serve to reinforce US strategic interests across key maritime routes and strengthen its foothold in a region increasingly defined by geopolitical tension.
To offset this, the creation of a joint security mechanism, along with robust political and economic cooperation, seems to be essential for the stability and development of Eurasia. In this context, President Putin has proposed the establishment of the Eurasian Security Club—an initiative envisioned as a comprehensive security framework. This proposal has received full backing from President Xi Jinping, and is gaining traction among Eurasian nations. The initiative is also actively supported by member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
The proposed Eurasian security system is envisioned to rest on five core principles that guide its structure and objectives: (1) No objections; Consensus-based participation and decision making (2) Geography is not dismissed: Inclusivity, to unite all countries of Eurasia; (3) Cooperation without confrontation: also leverage all existing multilateral organizations for collaborative, rather than competitive purposes; (4) Minimisation of external military presence: reducing reliance on foreign forces, and finally, (5) Development Goes First: Prioritising economic development-fostering prosperity as the foundation for security.
This framework aligns seamlessly with China’s philosophy of “win-win cooperation”, focusing on shared benefits and mutual growth for all participating nations.
Eurasia and the New Security Paradigm
Eurasia represents a vast geographic entity, encompassing two of the world’s largest continents: Europe and Asia. Spread over approximately 55 million square kilometres, it accounts for around 36.2% of the Earth’s landmass and is home to over 5 billion people; roughly 70% of the global population.
Eurasia is rapidly emerging as a formidable centre of power. Its dynamic economic growth and expanding military capabilities are generating unease among the traditional power centres of the West. This shift is bringing the Eurasian states face-to-face with a shared set of security, military, and economic challenges.
In assessing Eurasian security, it is essential to consider both historical and contemporary threats. Based on the evolving geopolitical landscape, several key factors demand close attention to safeguard the stability and security of Eurasia:- Immanuel Kant’s saying that “trade is a prerequisite for peace” is fast becoming an impracticable dream. Because,
o The high level of trade could not help encourage a dialogue between Russia and the West to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
o Similarly, China-US trade, worth $575 billion, has not been able to reduce the competition between the two.
o Moreso, despite China-India trade being worth $135 billion, political difficulties between them linger on.
Protectionist policies clothed in expressions like “de-risking” and “decoupling” indicate an inclination towards de-globalisation that threatens the economic interests of Eurasia. The US obsession with the containment of China has found expression in the “Chips 4 Alliance” to stonewall China’s domination of the semi-conductor industry. Similarly, US attempts to contain the rise of 5G giant Huawei are direct violations of WTO rules, according to which the forced transfer of technology cannot be used as a trade-off for market access.
Russia and China are also facing unjust economic sanctions imposed by the US-led West. These are being employed as tools of coercion to achieve political objectives. One can say that the economic benefits may create the conditions for political cooperation, but they cannot preclude interstate confrontation on vital security issues.
Global Milieu: The Realities and Response
The great power rivalry has engendered regionalism that is gaining ground. It impacts member states’ choices on sovereignty, independence, economics and culture. The extension of NATO to the Baltic and Nordic states, besides encouraging countries like Ukraine to militarize their policies, poses a direct threat to Eurasian security.
The SCO is the new reality. With four nuclear powers, 40 percent of the landmass, 30 percent of the world economy, 35 percent of energy reserves, tremendous mineral and natural resources, and over three billion people, the SCO, in its present shape, can make its impact felt internationally. Luckily, the majority of the Eurasian states are members of the SCO. Analysts believe the SCO is one of the most ideal formats for dialogue on issues related to both the formation of the Eurasian security architecture and the economic development of Eurasia.
Though not purely Eurasian, BRICS has evolved as another formidable block. It can offer a parallel system of doing business without fear of sanctions. Using BRICS’ banks and national currencies could provide relief to Eurasian states from the US-led Western sanctions.
This phenomenon is also being witnessed by cooperative fora like the Conference on interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) being actively projected by Kazakhstan.
Energy politics are emerging as another important area that influences international security due to its impact on the economic strength of the nations. Russian energy linkages with Europe acted as a strong leverage to exercise diplomatic as well as economic clout with the European countries. The Ukraine War and the aggressive expansion of NATO have severed these energy corridors. This war has also given a boost to the US military industrial complex and energy sales. USA has become the largest exporter of gas to the EU now.
The Eurasian countries beset with the new realities of a multipolar world that is transitioning towards bipolarity need to make enhanced use of opportunities for trade, connectivity and partnerships. These can build permanent stakes for peace in the region. Hence, the scope of globally relevant multilateral alliances like SCO needs to be expanded to include infrastructural connectivity and trade in local currencies, creating a Eurasian alternative to financial systems like SWIFT. The establishment of a common bank and using national currencies could also help ward off dependence on dollarised transactions.
The connectivity initiatives and corridors being developed under BRI, as well as Central Asia countries’ initiatives, will provide greater options for trade, against the risks posed to sea trade due to conflicts in the Middle East. This will also help integrate the region well.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the situation warrants a collective response. The states of the region, therefore, must construct a security paradigm in order to protect their combined interests. Eurasian alliances like the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) already provide a framework for promoting the security and economic interests of the Eurasian countries. The security system proposed by President Putin appears to be the most appropriate option.
The Eurasian security paradigm is still in its nascent stages. Therefore, a mechanism has to be devised to address irritants that the member states may face.
Eurasian security would be prone to instability if bilateral issues, especially the Pakistan - India and China - India disputes are not resolved. The inclusion of NATO members from Eurasia in its collective security regime will be a challenge too.
However, all these issues are surmountable. A collective approach by the Eurasian leaders can help evolve a mutually beneficial security and economic infrastructure for Eurasia.
