From Belarus with Love: The Limits of Lukashenko’s Dalliance with the West

Author(s): Benno Zogg
Journal Title: War on the Rocks
Publisher(s): War on the Rocks
Publication Year: 2019

In this article, Benno Zogg writes that both Russia and the West tend to consider Belarus a mere Russian satellite, incapable of developing an independent foreign policy. However, since 2014, Belarus has done just that in what appears to be a cautious strategic hedging, involving moves toward rapprochement with the West. Nevertheless, the author argues that the authoritarian nature of the Belarusian regime and its record of failing to embrace substantial political and economic reform suggest that Western observers should temper expectations for more meaningful change any time soon.

Publisher's Website