Iran's Membership in SCO, A Factor in Soft Balance in Relationships with the U.S.

This article discusses the emergence and evolution of Shanghai Cooperation Organization which is potentially a balancing measure in reaction to the Unilateralism of the United States. Severe balancing in Unipolar systems is considered to be a highly dangerous problem. Therefore, governments mostly seek to form a softer balance. In this respect, Shanghai Cooperation Organization is seen as a tool utilized by Russia ( with the cooperation of China) to bring balance against the United States. Moreover, this paper evaluates the dual game of Russia regarding Iran permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Actually, the proposal of Iran`s permanent membership in SCO is attributed to Russia's concern with regard to Iran's cooperation with the  United states. This is all due to the fact that if Islamic Republic can develop a constructive relationship based on mutual respect with the western countries, Russia will have to devote more attention to the Interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran.