Uniting NATO & CSTO?

[Armenum]

As the cold war ended, so did to a large extent the rivalry between Russian/Satellites and the US/Western powers. Of course, a great thing since the threat of an all out nuclear war was subdued. Today, the West seems to have shifted course towards a new enemy, Islamic extremism and rogue governments, of which many support terrorism. Russia has become more of a partner rather than rival to the West as it to has had to deal with Muslim extremism within its borders, and in all shares a common goal with the West against such terrorism.

The CSTO military alliance is comprised of several post-Soviet states that continued partnership with Russia in the military sphere after the collapse. Some of these countries are Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Tajikistan, etc. Mostly central Asian countries, and no real powerful nation in the group except for Russia of course. CSTO is no where near as powerful and cohesive as the NATO alliance. But CSTO & NATO aren't enemies, and yes maybe there is a little rivalry between them, but in all NATO is more focused on the more important issues at hands like Afghanistan. In all, CSTO & NATO aren't a threat to each other. CSTO member states all are with the anti-extremist campaign, and many member states have sent soldiers to Afghanistan to serve in the NATO forces (e.g. Armenia has sent troops, and they serve under German command). Russia has helped also Western Forces in their fight, and other nations have also cooperated.

Could merging the two alliances be an effective step? It would eliminate the old, stereotypical rivalries of the cold war, and make the war on extremism and rogue governments a more united and global effort. NATO would gain very powerful resources from the Central Asian countries and Russia which are located near the problem areas. Armenia is currently hosting a NATO training session and did so 2 years ago as well. Armenia's relations with NATO are strong even though Armenia is part of CSTO. Armenian president has been invited to the NATO summit to take part in the strategic discussions. This just comes to show how well one CSTO nation can work with NATO. Shouldn't the stereotype of NATO being an anti-Russian organization be dismantled for good? An alliance between Russia/CSTO and the West would be an unprecendeted and powerful move; a move closer, in my opinion, to a more peaceful and cohesive world.

[Mr. Scott]

Well, Nato would probably like to have CSTO fuse because they're proximity to Afghanistan would aid the cause greatly, but Russia (rightfully so), would not like this because NATO would also use it as a block to Russian influence in the region. The Russians in the last few years have been trying to increase their influence on former soviet countries and would not like anything like this to happen. Plus, Russian anti-western feelings would also cause greater instability in the nation if the Russian government was seen as allying with the West.

I highly doubt that that would happen as the alliance would mainly benefit the West and former Soviet countries, but not Russia. So, Russia would stop it.

[Armenum]

Well, Nato would probably like to have CSTO fuse because they're proximity to Afghanistan would aid the cause greatly, but Russia (rightfully so), would not like this because NATO would also use it as a block to Russian influence in the region. The Russians in the last few years have been trying to increase their influence on former soviet countries and would not like anything like this to happen. Plus, Russian anti-western feelings would also cause greater instability in the nation if the Russian government was seen as allying with the West.

I highly doubt that that would happen as the alliance would mainly benefit the West and former Soviet countries, but not Russia. So, Russia would stop it.

But hasn't Russia cooperation with the West increased dramatically since the collapse of USSR? If this notion of West vs. East which is left over from the cold war is dismantled, maybe than Russia can see the west as a partner rather than a rival. There are bigger threats out there, and Russia is hardly one. In Russia, the major sentiment is anti-terrorism/anti-Muslim because of the terrorist attacks that have occurred and the trouble in the North Caucuses. I feel as if the priorities of Russia and the West are merging more and more, and a united front will do better for them in order to achieve their goals.

[white-wolf]

No. It is not possible to unite NATO and CSTO. It is an oxymoron.