The Collective Security Treaty Organization

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has its origins in the disintegration of the Soviet Union. It is a weak structure in terms of integration, but has nonetheless become the most viable multilateral security framework in the post-Soviet space. ¹ Its security agenda has evolved from a focus on military-economic collaboration to addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges within the region. During its 20-year existence, ² the CSTO has established practices aimed at the ‘strengthening [of] global security governance under the aegis of the United Nations (UN)’. The CSTO seeks recognition as an important component within a global system of security management based on the UN and regional organizations. ³ However, while the CSTO is anxious to enhance its role in the region, analysts widely regard it as incapable of providing meaningfully regional security. ⁴ Thus, the CSTO’s ability to contribute to global security governance is questionable. Map 9.1 Map of membership of the Collective Security Organisation (CSTO). https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203422496/84b35142-f16a-4630-bee6-7fa0ac57f848/content/map9_1_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>