The problem of the «coordinating state» in the peacekeeping activities of the CSTO

Abstract

The article analyzes the peacekeeping activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Based on normative acts, definitions of peacekeeping activities are given as a set of measures aimed at resolving disputes; peacekeeping operations as a set of actions aimed at resolving a conflict; peacekeeping contingents and peacekeeping forces as specially trained personnel. The authors emphasize that the mandate of the Collective Security Council of the CSTO and the UN Security Council are the legal basis for the deployment of the Collective peacekeeping forces (CPF) in the conflict zone and the initial document for the development of a peacekeeping operation plan. Peacekeeping operations of the CSTO Naval Forces could be carried out by the decision of the Security Council on the territory of the member countries of the Organization, or on the territory of non-CSTO members under the Mandate of the UN Security Council. In both cases, the CSTO was obliged to inform the UN Security Council about the beginning of a peacekeeping operation. The authors consider the process of formation of Collective peacekeeping forces. The CSTO peacekeeping activities have been repeatedly criticized in expert circles. In 2010, the CSTO did not introduce peacekeeping forces in the context of the Osh events of 2010 in Kyrgyzstan, in 2016 during the escalation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. In each case, there were reasons not to introduce peacekeepers. But, on the other hand, in the public field it was perceived as the inability of the CSTO to fulfill its allied obligations and ensure collective security. Special attention is paid to the first CSTO peacekeeping operation in Kazakhstan in January 2022 and the role of Russia in its conduct. In the context of expanding the peacekeeping functions of the CSTO and the desire to develop relations with the UN in this area, the problem of introducing the status of a “coordinating state” in the implementation of peacekeeping under the auspices of the UN Security Council is investigated. The conclusion is made about the constructive significance of such a change in the CSTO peacekeeping.

Keywords

• international relations
• treaty organization collective security
• un
• collective peacekeeping forces
• peacemaking
• peacekeeping operation in kazakhstan
• coordinating state