The article examines the role of the CSTO as a key belt for ensuring regional security in Central Asia. The purpose of the work is to determine the historical background of the creation of the CSTO, to reveal its main goals and principles of operation, and to assess the effectiveness of countering modern challenges, including terrorism, transnational crime, cyber threats and illegal migration. The methodology is based on comparative analysis, the study of official documents, historical sources and expert assessments, which allows us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current collective security system. The main focus is on mechanisms of cooperation and coordination of actions between member states, ensuring prompt response to traditional and non-traditional threats. The results of the study show that the CSTO continues to be one of the key instruments for strengthening political stability and increasing the defense capability of the countries of the region. The novelty of the work lies in the comprehensive assessment of the potential of the CSTO as a flexible multifunctional structure capable of proactively responding to various risks. The practical significance lies in the possibility of applying the findings of the study in the formation of security policy in Central Asia and the development of international cooperation in the field of defense and counter-terrorism. The findings are supported by current data and trends observed in the field of regional security.
CSTO, Central Asia, regional security, collective security, military cooperation, counter-terrorism, transnational threats, cybersecurity, illegal migration
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