CSTO

Last updated: May 29, 2026

The Collective Security Treaty Organization is a Russian-led military alliance formed in 1992 among several post-Soviet states, including Armenia. For decades it served as the formal backbone of Armenia’s security architecture, providing the legal basis for basing Russian troops in the country and for collective defense commitments. Armenia’s membership was long treated as the price of Russia’s security umbrella in a volatile region.

The relationship fractured after the 44-Day War of 2020, when Russia brokered the ceasefire but CSTO troops were never deployed to defend Armenia. The September 2023 Azerbaijani offensive against Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) — which resulted in the ethnic cleansing of the entire Armenian population — exposed the alliance’s unwillingness to act on Armenia’s behalf. In 2024, Armenia formally suspended its participation in CSTO activities, effectively freezing its membership without a formal withdrawal.

Groong has covered the deterioration of Armenia’s relationship with the CSTO extensively: from the initial 2020 disillusionment through repeated CSTO summits where Armenia was isolated, the failed mediation attempts, and the domestic and foreign-policy implications of Armenia’s pivot away from the Russian security orbit toward Western security partnerships with France, the EU, and India .

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with CSTO.

Guest:

Topics:

  • Establishment of Canadian Embassy in Armenia
  • EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA)
  • Political Prisoners
  • Canadian Military Supplies to Turkey

Episode 316 | Recorded: March 15, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • Establishment of Canadian Embassy in Armenia
  • EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA)
  • Political Prisoners
  • Canadian Military Supplies to Turkey

Episode 316 | Recorded: March 15, 2024

Pashinyan regime's EU aspirations

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Clip, Transcript | Series: Blog

In this clip from episode #313 , we discuss Pashinyan’s bold move towards EU membership is risking its relationships with key allies like Russia and neighboring Iran. Recent statements hint at Armenia’s serious consideration of joining the EU, alongside actions like freezing activity in the CSTO and inviting Russian forces out of an airport.

Join us as we navigate the risks and uncertainties surrounding Armenia’s daring foreign policy decisions.

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran Parliamentary Elections
  • Geopolitical U-turn in Armenia?
  • Iran Armenia Relations
  • Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs

Episode 314 | Recorded: March 11, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran Parliamentary Elections
  • Geopolitical U-turn in Armenia?
  • Iran Armenia Relations
  • Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs

Episode 314 | Recorded: March 11, 2024

In this clip from episode #312 , we discuss a recent Russian-Armenian experts dialogue held in Yerevan, discussions delved into the state of relations between the two nations. Our guest Arthur Khachikyan was one of the participants.

The expert dialogue sparked significant reactions in Armenia, with some media channels expressing negativity towards the candid exchanges that took place. The Russian side was nota bly frank, warning of potential consequences for Armenia’s Western reorientation, referencing past events like Karabakh and suggesting future territorial concerns. The dialogue

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The following is a transcript of a clip from episode 311 , where we address the blooming romance (at least as it appears externally) between the Armenia and France, NATO and the collective West.

Guest:

Topics:

  • French Connection
  • Russian-Armenian Dialog
  • Negotiations and Risk of War

Episode 311 | Recorded: February 27, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • French Connection
  • Russian-Armenian Dialog
  • Negotiations and Risk of War

Episode 311 | Recorded: February 27, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s Security in Danger
  • Munich Security Conference
  • Relations with Regional Allies

Episode 310 | Recorded: February 18, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s Security in Danger
  • Munich Security Conference
  • Relations with Regional Allies

Episode 310 | Recorded: February 18, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of Republic
  • Insecurity without Borders
  • Pashinyan in St. Petersburg
  • Year-end 2023 Predictions Review
  • Predictions for 2024

Episode 300 | Recorded: December 31, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of Republic
  • Insecurity without Borders
  • Pashinyan in St. Petersburg
  • Year-end 2023 Predictions Review
  • Predictions for 2024

Episode 300 | Recorded: December 31, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Armenian Diplomacy in the West
  • Relations with Russia

Episode 296 | Recorded: December 3, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Armenian Diplomacy in the West
  • Relations with Russia

Episode 296 | Recorded: December 3, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Developments in Artsakh
  • Geopolitics in the South Caucasus

Episode 278 | Recorded: September 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Developments in Artsakh
  • Geopolitics in the South Caucasus

Episode 278 | Recorded: September 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Artsakh Domestic Developments
  • Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations

Episode 277 | Recorded: Sep 3, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Artsakh Domestic Developments
  • Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations

Episode 277 | Recorded: Sep 3, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • War of Words with Russia
  • Iran’s Diplomatic Perspective
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Artsakh: New Parliament Speaker

Episode 272 | Recorded: August 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • War of Words with Russia
  • Iran’s Diplomatic Perspective
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Artsakh: New Parliament Speaker

Episode 272 | Recorded: August 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • US, Armenian NSC Advisors Meet
  • New MPG Poll
  • Haya-Qve [.am]

Episode 268 | Recorded: July 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • US, Armenian NSC Advisors Meet
  • New MPG Poll
  • Haya-Qve [.am]

Episode 268 | Recorded: July 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Concrete Barriers On Hakari Bridge
  • Erdogan visit to Azerbaijan
  • Lukashenko at the CSTO
  • Putin Defuses Wagnerian Opera
  • Pashinyan 44-Day War Testimony in Parliament
  • HayaQve [.am]

Episode 264 | Recorded: June 27, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Concrete Barriers On Hakari Bridge
  • Erdogan visit to Azerbaijan
  • Lukashenko at the CSTO
  • Putin Defuses Wagnerian Opera
  • Pashinyan 44-Day War Testimony in Parliament
  • HayaQve [.am]

Episode 264 | Recorded: June 27, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Erdogan Reshuffles Cabinet, First Visit to Baku
  • Latest Developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations, Baku Postpones
  • Economic Developments, More Subsidies to IT Sector
  • MPG Poll: Pashinyan’s Rating is Falling

Episode 252 | Recorded: June 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Erdogan Reshuffles Cabinet, First Visit to Baku
  • Latest Developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations, Baku Postpones
  • Economic Developments, More Subsidies to IT Sector
  • MPG Poll: Pashinyan’s Rating is Falling

Episode 252 | Recorded: June 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia celebrates May 28
    • A new political movement, Mother Armenia, was announced.
  • Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes
  • Erdogan Reelected President in Turkey
  • Goodbye CSTO, Hello NATO?

Episode 257 | Recorded: May 30, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia celebrates May 28
    • A new political movement, Mother Armenia, was announced.
  • Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes
  • Erdogan Reelected President in Turkey
  • Goodbye CSTO, Hello NATO?

Episode 257 | Recorded: May 30, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Accelerated Negotiations
    • Negotiations Carousel
    • Meghri Railway
    • Russia Finances Rasht-Astara
    • Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor
  • Artsakh Domestic Politics

Episode 256 | Recorded: May 22, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Accelerated Negotiations
    • Negotiations Carousel
    • Meghri Railway
    • Russia Finances Rasht-Astara
    • Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor
  • Artsakh Domestic Politics

Episode 256 | Recorded: May 22, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel Meet in Brussels
    • Azerbaijan Attacks Sotk
  • Turkish Presidential Elections

Episode 255 | Recorded: May 15, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel Meet in Brussels
    • Azerbaijan Attacks Sotk
  • Turkish Presidential Elections

Episode 255 | Recorded: May 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
  • Latest IRI Armenia Poll Results
  • Armenian Census 2022 - Preliminary Results

Episode 252 | Recorded: May 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
  • Latest IRI Armenia Poll Results
  • Armenian Census 2022 - Preliminary Results

Episode 252 | Recorded: May 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor
  • Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations
  • Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia

Episode 251 | Recorded: May 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor
  • Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations
  • Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia

Episode 251 | Recorded: May 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • What agreements were reached between China and Russia?
  • What is the role of India in the new world order?
  • Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order?
  • China as peacemaker in Ukraine
  • China as peacemaker in the Middle East
  • China’s role in Iran and South Caucasus
  • How should Armenia navigate world order changes?

Episode 244 | Recorded: April 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • What agreements were reached between China and Russia?
  • What is the role of India in the new world order?
  • Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order?
  • China as peacemaker in Ukraine
  • China as peacemaker in the Middle East
  • China’s role in Iran and South Caucasus
  • How should Armenia navigate world order changes?

Episode 244 | Recorded: April 5, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Azerbaijani Attacks over the Weekend
  • East and West
  • Armenia and the Rome Statute

Episode 241 | Recorded: March 26, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Azerbaijani Attacks over the Weekend
  • East and West
  • Armenia and the Rome Statute

Episode 241 | Recorded: March 26, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s Press Conference
  • Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan
  • Mirzoyan in Moscow
  • Mayoral Politics in Yerevan

Episode 240 | Recorded: March 20, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s Press Conference
  • Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan
  • Mirzoyan in Moscow
  • Mayoral Politics in Yerevan

Episode 240 | Recorded: March 20, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
    • Developments in Artsakh
    • No “Peace” without “Rights and Security”?
    • Armenia Downgrades CSTO Relations
  • Georgian Law on Foreign Agents
  • Reflections on MPG Poll “AmotiSar” Results

Episode 237 | Recorded: March 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
    • Developments in Artsakh
    • No “Peace” without “Rights and Security”?
    • Armenia Downgrades CSTO Relations
  • Georgian Law on Foreign Agents
  • Reflections on MPG Poll “AmotiSar” Results

Episode 237 | Recorded: March 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • 35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement
  • Russia Warns the EU and Armenia
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
  • Personal topics

Episode 226 | Recorded: February 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • 35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement
  • Russia Warns the EU and Armenia
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
  • Personal topics

Episode 226 | Recorded: February 19, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
    • FM Lavrov’s Interview to Russian Media
    • EU vs CSTO Missions
    • Shifting Public Perceptions
  • Political Shuffles in Yerevan

Episode 224 | Recorded: February 12, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
    • FM Lavrov’s Interview to Russian Media
    • EU vs CSTO Missions
    • Shifting Public Perceptions
  • Political Shuffles in Yerevan

Episode 224 | Recorded: February 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Army Day - January 28
    • Events at Yerablur
  • New EU Monitoring Mission
    • Armenia’s Diplomacy
    • Russia’s Increasing Displeasure
    • Iran’s Tempered Displeasure
  • Artsakh Blockade

Episode 219 | Recorded: January 29, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Army Day - January 28
    • Events at Yerablur
  • New EU Monitoring Mission
    • Armenia’s Diplomacy
    • Russia’s Increasing Displeasure
    • Iran’s Tempered Displeasure
  • Artsakh Blockade

Episode 219 | Recorded: January 29, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Catastrophic Accident in Military Barrack
  • New EU Civilian Mission to Armenia
  • Armenia-Russia Relations
  • Ruben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalk

Episode 217 | Recorded: January 24, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Catastrophic Accident in Military Barrack
  • New EU Civilian Mission to Armenia
  • Armenia-Russia Relations
  • Ruben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalk

Episode 217 | Recorded: January 24, 2023

Guest:

  • Hrant Mikaelian , a political scientist and multidisciplinary researcher in social sciences based in Yerevan. He is also a senior researcher at the Caucasus Institute.

Topics:

  • Artsakh Update and Politics in Stepanakert
  • Pashinyan’s “Press Conference”
  • Ministry of Interior Affairs Appointments
  • Economic Review and Outlook in 2023
  • Personal Comments
    • Hrant - MPG polls results on Armenian Attitudes towards Russia
    • Hovik - Stop the destructive internal politics

Episode 206 | Recorded: January 15, 2023

Guest:

  • Hrant Mikaelian , a political scientist and multidisciplinary researcher in social sciences based in Yerevan. He is also a senior researcher at the Caucasus Institute.

Topics:

  • Artsakh Update and Politics in Stepanakert
  • Pashinyan’s “Press Conference”
  • Ministry of Interior Affairs Appointments
  • Economic Review and Outlook in 2023
  • Personal Comments
    • Hrant - MPG polls results on Armenian Attitudes towards Russia
    • Hovik - Stop the destructive internal politics

Episode 206 | Recorded: January 15, 2023

Guests:

  • William Bairamian , founder and editor of The Armenite. He has written extensively on Armenian politics, culture, and society. He received degrees in international affairs from Columbia University and UCLA.
  • Arthur Khachikyan , International Relations expert from Stanford University, specializing in Intervention. He currently teaches at the Russian Armenian University in Yerevan.

“This is a repeat of Srebrenica. To gradually strangle and force the people to leave.” -Arthur Khachikyan

Topic:

More than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh)

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Guests:

  • William Bairamian , founder and editor of The Armenite. He has written extensively on Armenian politics, culture, and society. He received degrees in international affairs from Columbia University and UCLA.
  • Arthur Khachikyan , International Relations expert from Stanford University, specializing in Intervention. He currently teaches at the Russian Armenian University in Yerevan.

“This is a repeat of Srebrenica. To gradually strangle and force the people to leave.” -Arthur Khachikyan

Topic:

More than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh)

 Read More

Guest:

  • Hovhannes Ishkhanyan , writer, documentary filmmaker, publicist, co-founder of Eye for an Eye (Akn Und Akan), a community of documentarians. Hovhannes has a Master’s in journalism from the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs.

Using art to prevent catastrophes instead of reacting to them

Ishkhanyan’s documentary “Sleep art”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzqzPpVsK-g

Topic:

More than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh) due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin (Berdzor) corridor, as this crisis enters its 25th

 Read More

Guest:

  • Hovhannes Ishkhanyan , writer, documentary filmmaker, publicist, co-founder of Eye for an Eye (Akn Und Akan), a community of documentarians. Hovhannes has a Master’s in journalism from the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs.

Using art to prevent catastrophes instead of reacting to them

Ishkhanyan’s documentary “Sleep art”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzqzPpVsK-g

Topic:

More than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh) due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin (Berdzor) corridor, as this crisis enters its 25th

 Read More

Guest:

Topic:

  • Hovik’s Reflections from the Artsakh Blockade Interviews
  • Is Russia Pressuring Armenia to join a “Union State”?
  • Government Bill to Control the Internet During Martial Law
  • Highlights and Lowlights from Armenian News in 2022
  • Predictions for 2023

Episode 197 | Recorded: January 3, 2023