Tag "Alexander Lukashenko"
Belarus: Democratic awakening in stalemate
While Belarusian strongman Lukashenko has held onto power since the highly contested August 2020 presidential election, public discontent with the regime has persisted in the face of police brutality and human rights abuses. As the West increases sanctions on Belarusian officials and the Kremlin’s support transforms into pressure, it is critical to assess whether Europe’s last authoritarian stronghold will survive in 2021.
Belarus and Russia: Will Putin Back Lukashenko or Watch his Downfall?
Belarus and Russia have been experiencing a deterioration in their relationship for years now. However, the current protests sweeping Belarus in light of the elections of August 2020, which controversially found President Lukashenko to have secured 80% of the vote, could prove to be a turning point for the already tenuous alliance between the two former Soviet states. President Putin has hitherto been cautiously supportive of Lukashenko to the extent that Moscow is still able to exercise flexibility of action. Examining current and previous developments between the two states in light of the crisis in Ukraine in 2014, the best option for Putin remains to refrain from interference for the time being.
Eurasia: Is Belarus the next Crimea?
Russia tries to tighten its grip while simultaneously decreasing the resulting budget burden. On the other hand, Belarus is not willing to sacrifice its sovereignty but is acutely aware of its economic dependence on Russia.
Belarus on the cusp of a (tech) revolution?
New legislation puts Belarus at the forefront of the cryptocurrency boom – and shows the government’s commitment to attracting long term IT investment.
Easing visa requirements: Belarus eyes foreign business
The potential easing of travel visa requirements in Belarus is likely to boost the local economy while improving its regional and global image.
Belarus caught in the middle between EU and Russia
Belarus’ future is torn between the potentially positive implications of the lifting of EU sanctions and the current major losses suffered by the national currency due to Russia’s economic crisis.
October elections key for investment in Belarus
With elections coming up in October 2015, transparency will be key in attracting investors to Belarus, and helping the country lessen its dependence on neighboring Russia On September 17th, European
Economic crisis and upcoming elections thwart reform in Belarus
With presidential elections in Belarus scheduled for October and the government turning to Russia for assistance in mitigating the impact of an economic crisis, the country is unlikely to implement any
Belarus blames Russia for economic woes in trade war
A trade dispute between Russia and Belarus over potash threatens the stability of the Eurasian Customs Union and demonstrates once again how dependent Belarus is on its larger neighbour. Vladislav
