Context: 

Armenia has suspended its participation in a Russia-led security bloc, CSTO, due to differences with other member states.

Armenia’s Suspension of Its Participation in CSTO

• In a conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the non-interference of Russia took the relations between both nations to a new low.
• When Russian peacekeepers did not intervene to stop Azerbaijan from taking control of Nagorno-Karabakh from the Armenian separatists, the relations between both nations soured.

CSTO: Collective Security Treaty Organization

• CSTO is an intergovernmental military alliance in Eurasia formed in 2002.
• Members: Total 6
  • Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
  • Uzbekistan joined in 2006 and then withdrew again in 2012.
• Objective: To strengthen regional and international security and to maintain peace including cybersecurity and stability of the member states.
• Reaction to US presence: It has been building its capacity since the 2000s as a reaction to the US military presence in Central Asia.
• Legal Framework: It enacted the legal framework for Russian military bases in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, allowed members to buy weapons at the Russian domestic rate, and pursued a common air defence system.
  • Decision-making is greatly influenced by Russia.
  • The organization features a rotating chairmanship and an interparliamentary assembly.

Historical Background of CSTO: Collective Security Treaty Organisation

• The CSTO originates from the conclusion of the Collective Security Treaty, which was signed in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) on May 15, 1992, by the heads of Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• Later, it was joined by Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Georgia (1993).
• The treaty entered into force upon completion of the national ratification procedures on April 

News Source: The Hindu