How Armenia’s Exit from the CSTO is a Blow to Russia-led “NATO of Former Soviet Countries”

• The CSTO, led by Russia, was created to ensure security among the former Soviet republics, imitating the structure and objectives of NATO;
• Armenia’s withdrawal from the CSTO highlights the structural problems and internal tensions within the alliance;
• Kazakhstan has expressed concern that future actions by Russia, as have other members, could result in the weakening and even the end of the CSTO.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization, often called “NATO of the Former Soviet Countries”, was created to ensure collective security among the former Soviet republics. Led by Russia, the CSTO aimed to replicate NATO’s structure, but focused on mutual protection and military cooperation against external and internal threats.

However, the alliance has faced increasing challenges that recently culminated in Armenia’s withdrawal. This decision by Armenia not only reduces the number of members, but also exposes structural problems and internal tensions that threaten the effectiveness and unity of the organization.

What is the CSTO and Why Did Armenia Leave the Alliance?

The CSTO began to formally operate in 2002, with the objective of protection and military cooperation against internal and external threats. At the beginning, the alliance included nine countries: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, all former Soviet Republics. However, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Uzbekistan have left over the years, reducing the number of active members.

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