Publication

This paper examines the new military doctrine and strategy of the Republic of Belarus. The author argues that it differs from its predecessor in a number of respects particularly in detailing a rejection of neutrality and a much closer relationship with Russia. However, this should not be interpreted as a more aggressive posture rather a reflection that regional and global politics have changed significantly. The paper concludes that military cooperation with Russia is part of a wider cultural, economic and political process that shows Russia to be the single biggest influence on Belarus for centuries.