THE FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES (CIS)

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was established in 1991 following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). It emerged as a regional intergovernmental organization intended to manage the peaceful transition from a unified Soviet state to independent national governments while preserving political, economic, and cultural cooperation among former Soviet republics. The creation of the CIS was driven by deep economic interdependence, shared security concerns, and long-standing historical and social ties among its member states. This article analyzes the historical background of the CIS, the legal foundations of its establishment, and its main objectives and principles. It also examines the institutional framework of the organization and evaluates its significance in the post-Soviet space. The study concludes that although the CIS has faced limitations in achieving deep integration, it has played an important role in maintaining dialogue, stability, and cooperation among its member states during a critical period of political transformation.