International cooperation in combating terrorism: The case of the Shanghai cooperation organization

Although terrorism has been a strategy used by many organizations with different targets, ideologies and methods throughout history, it has become a global threat because of the dramatic developments in information, communication and transport technologies in recent years. Because of the fact that terrorism has gained a transnational character, states are affected not only by terrorist acts within their borders, but also by terrorist activities carried out in distant geographies. This situation has led states to build various cooperative mechanisms to reduce the adverse effects of terrorism. In this context, international organizations serving as an international platform are particularly come into prominence. One of the organizations that aims to develop international cooperation in the field of combating terrorism is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This study examines international cooperation in the field of counter terrorism and the capacity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional cooperation organization, to combat terrorism. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and to reveal the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's capabilities and limitations in the fight against terrorism.