The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), launched with the members of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in 2001, now together with its observer countries Mongolia, India, Pakistan, and Iran, is gradually increasing its presence in the international arena. It can be seen as a new form of multilateral mechanism to contribute regional stability and development, while some U.S. and European officials and researchers tend to consider the SCO as an "anti-western organization." The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and the Slavic Research Center of Hokkaido University will host the symposium to discuss the implications of the SCO in the current international relations and the feasibility to establish dialogue between the SCO and other influential players such as the U.S., EU, and Japan. All interested are welcome to participate.