The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is an organization that was formed in December 1991. It was founded by Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus with the signing of the Creation Agreement. Two weeks after its formation, eleven other states joined the CIS by signing a Protocol to the Agreement, which stressed the equality of each of the member states. The CIS was formed in order to increase cooperation among member states, boost the economy of member states, and protect human rights.
Members
The Commonwealth of Independent States has nine official members:
Map of the CIS
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Moldova
Russia
Tajikistan
Uzbekistan
In addition, Turkmenistan exists as an unofficial associate member of the organization. Also, Ukraine, although a founding member, is not an official member because it failed to ratify the CIS Charter. However, Ukraine is a de facto participant. Georgia is a former member of the organization.
The most powerful member of the CIS is Russia, commanding both a strong economy and military. Leadership within the CIS belongs almost exlusively to Russia and Belarus, controlling four and two of the six total executive secretary positions since the organization's creation, respectively.
Objectives
According to the Charter of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the organization has seven main objectives.
Implementation of cooperation in political, economic, environmental, humanitarian, cultural and other fields;
A comprehensive and balanced economic and social development of Member States in the framework of a common economic space, interstate cooperation and integration;
Provision of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with generally recognized principles and norms of international law and OSCE documents;
Cooperation between Member States in ensuring international peace and security, the implementation of effective measures for the reduction of armaments and military expenditures, the elimination of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, the achievement of general and complete disarmament;
Assistance to citizens of Member States in free communication, contact and movement in the Commonwealth;
Mutual legal assistance and cooperation in other spheres of legal relations;
Peaceful settlement of disputes and conflicts between the states of the Commonwealth.
Council of the Heads of Customs Services of the States-Participants of the Commonwealth
Membership Advantages/ Disadvantages
Membership in the CIS has a number of advantages. For example, member states experience increased economic cooperation, better political protection, and cultural preservation. In addition, citizens of member countries can communicate freely with others within the CIS. Also, the CIS attempts to preserve the environment, and promote humanitarian efforts.
On the other hand, there are a number of disadvantages associated with the CIS. As with any group, members are expected to abide by rulings set forth by the organization. This limits the independence of each of the member states. In addition, as an organization aimed at promoting peace, any conflict within the region would endanger the well being of member states.
Effect on Local Diversity
Due to the joining of many different cultures as one group, local diversity will be affected. Although the organization seeks to promote culture in each of its member states, the stronger globalizing aspects of certain countries, most notably Russia, are likely to invade the societies of other member nations. Consequently, local diversity is likely to diminish as the influence of the stronger powers grow.
History
CIS Flag
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is an organization that was formed in December 1991. It was founded by Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus with the signing of the Creation Agreement. Two weeks after its formation, eleven other states joined the CIS by signing a Protocol to the Agreement, which stressed the equality of each of the member states. The CIS was formed in order to increase cooperation among member states, boost the economy of member states, and protect human rights.
Members
The Commonwealth of Independent States has nine official members:
In addition, Turkmenistan exists as an unofficial associate member of the organization. Also, Ukraine, although a founding member, is not an official member because it failed to ratify the CIS Charter. However, Ukraine is a de facto participant. Georgia is a former member of the organization.
The most powerful member of the CIS is Russia, commanding both a strong economy and military. Leadership within the CIS belongs almost exlusively to Russia and Belarus, controlling four and two of the six total executive secretary positions since the organization's creation, respectively.
Objectives
According to the Charter of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the organization has seven main objectives.
Structure
A number of sub-organizations exist under the CIS. (list provided by http://www.cisstat.com/eng/cis.htm)
Charter Bodies:
Executive Bodies:
Bodies of Branch Cooperation:
Membership Advantages/ Disadvantages
Membership in the CIS has a number of advantages. For example, member states experience increased economic cooperation, better political protection, and cultural preservation. In addition, citizens of member countries can communicate freely with others within the CIS. Also, the CIS attempts to preserve the environment, and promote humanitarian efforts.
On the other hand, there are a number of disadvantages associated with the CIS. As with any group, members are expected to abide by rulings set forth by the organization. This limits the independence of each of the member states. In addition, as an organization aimed at promoting peace, any conflict within the region would endanger the well being of member states.
Effect on Local Diversity
Due to the joining of many different cultures as one group, local diversity will be affected. Although the organization seeks to promote culture in each of its member states, the stronger globalizing aspects of certain countries, most notably Russia, are likely to invade the societies of other member nations. Consequently, local diversity is likely to diminish as the influence of the stronger powers grow.
References
About commonwealth of independent states. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cisstat.com/eng/cis.htm
CIS. (2012, March 06). Committee of independent states. Retrieved from http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&prev=/search?q=the+commonwealth+of+independent+states&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS307&prmd=imvns&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ru&twu=1&u=http://www.e-cis.info/&usg=ALkJrhhP35jLMfdwI8yJ6Vp8pGoqFRUACA
Denelson83. (Designer). (2006). Flag of the cis. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_the_CIS.svg
(n.d.). Commonwealth of independent states. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/commonwealth/commonwealth_pol_97.jpg