THE HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE CSTO: CHALLENGES TO MILITARY SECURITY IN THE POST-SOVIET SPACE

The article is devoted to the analysis of military security in the post-Soviet space, the reasons for the creation and evolution of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The threats that arose after the collapse of the USSR, including the nuclear legacy, regional conflicts and geopolitical challenges, are considered. The key stages of the formation of collective defense mechanisms are analyzed, as well as the effectiveness of the CSTO in ensuring the security of the participating states. The research is based on international agreements, official documents and expert assessments, which makes it relevant for specialists in the field of international relations and military policy.