Turkey’s SCO Ambition and Western Security Dynamics

Washington and allied capitals have showed limited understanding of Turkey’s recent interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO, a matter that sits at the intersection of NATO alliance dynamics and broader Eurasian alignment. The stance was highlighted by a senior U.S. official, James O’Brien, who serves as Undersecretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, in reporting from TASS. The comment underscored perceived tensions between Turkey’s strategic proximity to Western security structures and its evolving ties with regional and multi-lateral organizations that extend beyond the North Atlantic framework. It also reflected questions about how much room Washington believes Ankara should have to maneuver within the international security architecture while maintaining its traditional Western commitments.