Multipolarity gives middle powers more choices, but fewer guarantees

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian received the political support he sought, with the SCO condemning military attacks against Iran. However, the organization did not offer to defend Iran, highlighting the distinction between political solidarity and collective defense. This situation illustrates the complexity of the emerging international order and the fact that multipolarity does not guarantee security for middle powers.