CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization)

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is a regional military alliance formed in 1992, primarily involving several former Soviet republics, including Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Its purpose is to ensure collective defense and security among member states, meaning if one member is attacked, others are expected to help. The CSTO aims to enhance cooperation in military and security matters, counter threats like terrorism, and maintain regional stability. Similar to NATO, it emphasizes mutual support among its members, although it has a more limited scope and reach than its Western counterpart.