On the morning of September 26, 2024,the 14th session of the "Cooperation and Development" lecture series, jointly organized by the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University, the Institute of SCO Studies of Shandong University, the Institute for Public Safety Research of Shandong University, and the China-SCO Institute of Economics and Trade,was successfully held at the New Era Virtues Bookhouse in Huagangyuan South Building. The theme of this lecture is "Russia’s Relations with SCO Member States," and the lecture was delivered by Professor Sergey Nikolaevich Pogodin, Dean of International Relations at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and Editor-in-Chief of academic journalsRussia in Global AffairsandInternational Relations and Cultural Dialogue. The lecture was chaired by Professor Edmund Li Sheng, Distinguished Professor at the School of Political Science and Public Administration and Executive Dean of the Institute of SCO Studies, Shandong University. Faculty members and students from the school participated in the academic exchange and discussion.

Professor Sergey Nikolaevich Pogodin opened the lecture by analyzing historic milestones in SCO regional integration. Through comparative analysis of member states' economic achievements, he highlighted regional economic integration as a crucial trend in international economic relations amid globalization. By examining economic indicators across nations, he demonstrated how deeper integration fosters mutually beneficial relationships among states.Professor Pogodin elaborated on Moscow's role as a "skilled negotiator" in SCO expansion and multipolar world building, leveraging its military strength, resource reserves and energy production advantages. He emphasized the importance of respecting cultural diversity and territorial integrity to developing Eurasian partnerships.

During theinteractivesession, participants engaged in vibrant discussions on the SCO's relations with other international organizations, potential new membership, and future development prospects. Professor Edmund Li Shenganalyzedthe necessityof strengthening participation in economic projectsfor Russia andtheSCO,believing thatChinaandRussiashould strive to play the role of the SCO as a bond and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative to connect the Eurasian continent.

This lecture provided an intellectual platform for understanding the SCO's contemporary significance and Russia'sand other member states’positioning within the organization. The School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University remains committed to providing high-quality academic resources for its faculty and students, both domestically and internationally. We encourage continued attention to the school’s updates and the "Cooperation and Development" lecture series organized by the Institute of SCO Studies.