Glimpse of Security Architecture of Post-Soviet Space: The Soviet Legacy

Abstract

Although nearly two decades have passed since the USSR crumbled, its legacy is still helping to shape security within, and relations between, former member states, as well as their relations with other states in the world.
Already back in the 90’s of the past century, it seemed like peace and security should have been within the interests of not just this region, but of the whole world, notably due to region’s geographic location and geo-strategic potential and its increasing importance as the main link of transport and communication projects.
Apart from the geopolitical significance, the stability of Post-Soviet Space is imperiled by numerous domestic and transnational security challenges, such as: unresolved conflicts, socio-economic hardships, organized crime, trafficking and migration. The scale and scope of these transnational problems require a coordinated action. Since the region is
intensely divided by conflicts and the competing interests of regional powers, the region would benefit from a greater cross-border collaboration. However, regional cooperation is not as well developed as it could be, hampering economic development, security and
further destabilizing the area.
This became even more important after the tragic events of 9/11, which made it apparent, that there exist no conflicts or crises of more and less important and these problems could have been resolved only through joint cooperation at the international and regional levels.