Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 24/25.P.1.00

Description Period: 2024./25 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Belarus between the East and the West

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_045
Branch of Science
-
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Elizabete Elīna Vizgunova-Vikmane
Structure Unit Manager
Karina Palkova
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

To provide knowledge about Belarus, its history, economy, as well as geopolitical impact on these aspects. The aim of the course is to reflect the interaction between international, regional and local politics, using Belarus and its complex statehood as an example/tool.

Preliminary Knowledge

General knowledge of theories and methods of international relations, as well as general knowledge of Belarus and its surrounding region.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Using the knowledge provided in the study course, students will identify the challenges of the development of history of Belarus to the present day. Students will describe domestic political problems of Belarus and preconditions for Lukashenko’s coming to power in Belarus. Students will explain foreign political challenges of Belarus in a regional and international context, especially in relations with the EU and Russia. Analyse the future development scenarios of Belarus and forecast the development of the domestic and foreign political vectors of Belarus in the future perspective.

Skills

1.Students will read and critically analyse and evaluate the sources of information offered in the study course on the history, domestic political processes of Belarus and their impact on the country’s foreign policy and future development  scenarios. Students will argue and substantiate their position on specific matters concerning domestic politics of Belarus (such as the role of nineties in Lukashenko’s coming to power) and foreign politics (such as relations of Belarus with the EU, Russia and the United States), as well as the development of history (for example, at which stages and how the national identity of Belarusians has formed). By independently writing essays and a report, students will analyse alternative sources of literature and gather information on differing opinions in the context of a particular problem, offer solutions to develop a particular problem addressed in the written work, demonstrate the ability to draw conclusions independently and model new scenarios for the development of domestic and foreign policy of Belarus.

Competences

1.Students will argue the causes of the problem (for example, Lukashenko’s positions of power are dictated by a strong personalisation of power structures). Students will explain domestic and foreign political processes of Belarus based on historical experience. Students will demonstrate a position on their opinions on a specific matter related to domestic and/or foreign policy of Belarus.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Individual work
-
-
Within the module, students will prepare for seminars, read recommended readings, prepare two essays, a report and a presentation. The objective of the seminars is to develop students’ ability to justify their point of view; to stimulate activity; to test their knowledge of the topic and the material. Essay and report – to develop the ability to identify the main problem of the topic; to identify and evaluate alternative arguments and points of view; to present one’s own point of view, explaining and arguing why this point of view is more acceptable and superior to any other. The report must compare all possible alternatives, considering all their weaknesses and strengths. Another objective is to develop the skills to independently research situations and problems, evaluate them and develop solutions. To assess the overall quality of the study course, the student must complete the course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Examination
-
-
Students must submit two essays on matters of their choice – one on a topic covered by the lecture/class 2-4, and one on a topic covered by lecture/class 5-7. Topics should be coordinated with the course leader. Technical requirements: 2000 words (+/-10%), except references (footnotes); text format: Times New Roman 12; format of references: Chicago Manual of Style.
2.
Examination
-
-
Attendance – 10% Activity and preparedness during classes – 30% Essays – 20% Report – 40%

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Belarus: in the crossroads of history

Annotation: The aim of the lecture is to introduce students with the history of Belarus until 20th Century. The topics that will be covered in this lecture include: - Polatsk - Litva - Ruthenia - Uniate-land - Belarus Begins. Literature: Lubov Bazan. A History of Belarus. Glasgow Publications, United Kingdom, 2014, pp. 20-306. Ainārs Lerhis, 2017. “The History of Belarus: Multiply Identities”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 11-19.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. 20th century: Collapse of the USSR and independent Belarus

Annotation: The second lecture aims to familiarise students with the history of Belarus in the 20th century. The lecture will mainly focus on students’ knowledge of the process of restoring independence of Belarus in the context of the collapse of the USSR until 1994, when Alexander Lukashenko became the President. Literature: Lubov Bazan. A History of Belarus. Glasgow Publications, United Kingdom, 2014, pp. 316-346.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. A. Lukashenko’s coming to power: formation of an authoritarian state

Annotation: To explain today’s Belarus and its role in the international system, as well as relations with neighbouring countries, particular attention should be paid to A. Lukashenko. Who is President Lukashenko? How did he come to power in 1994? What changes did the new President of that time bring to the country’s political system? How is the Belarusian domestic political system built and on which pillars? What is the trajectory of Lukashenko’s foreign policy and what role does Lukashenko himself play in it? Literature: Robert Coalson, “Flexible Stagnation: How Lukashenka has held on to Power For 25 Years in Belarus”, 20.07.2019. Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, https://www.rferl.org/a/flexible-stagnation-how-lukashenka-has-held-on-to-power-for-25-years-in-belarus/30066472.html Oleg Manev, Natalie Manayeva, Dzmitry Yuran. “More State than Nation: Lukashenko’s Belarus,” in Journal of International Affairs, Fall/Winter2011, Vol. 65 Issue 1, pp. 93-113. House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus,” House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, http://www.house.gov.by/en/constitution-of-the-republic-of-belarus-en/ Video: “Обыкновенный президент (English subtitles),” Юрий Хащеватский, 1996, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmb5ZMBItrE
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Personalisation of power in Lukashenko’s presidency: institutions, elites and society

Annotation: The lecture aims to continue the 3rd lecture on strengthening of Lukashenko’s authoritarianism in the country, with a particular focus on the personalisation of power and its reflection on several levels: institutions, elites and society. The lecture will provide students with an insight into the specifics of the regime created and maintained by Lukashenko, providing a base for further analysis. Literature: Artyom Shraibman. “The House that Lukashenko Built: the Foundation, Evolution, and Future of the Belarus Regime.” Carnegie Moscow Center, April 2018, https://carnegieendowment.org/files/CP328_Shraibman_Belarus_FINAL.pdf Artyom Shraibman, “Lukashenko and the Reformers,”28.07.2020, Carnegie Moscow Center, https://carnegie.ru/commentary/64194 Matthew Frearer. Belarus Under Lukashenka: Adaptive Authoritarianism. Routledge; 1st Edition (September 4, 2018), pp. 31-47; pp. 49-62; pp. Konstantin Ash. “The election trap: the cycle of post-electoral repression and opposition fragmentation in Lukahsenko’s Belarus.” Democartization, Vol. 22. 2015. Issue 6. pp. 1030-1053. https://doi.org/10.1080/13510347.2014.899585
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Relations of Belarus with Russia: friendship with different purposes?

Annotation: This lecture will analyse relations of Belarus with Russia. Students will be given an insight into the development of relationships from the nineties and B. Yeltsin’s time to the present day. Particular attention will be paid to the dynamics of these relations, looking both from the interests and perspectives of Belarus and Russia. In this context, the interaction of economic relations, military cooperation, as well as the basic pillar of relations – the Treaty of the Union State of Belarus and Russia and its impact on the dynamics of relations between the two countries will be reviewed. The lecture will also provide insight into changes in the dynamics of relations between Belarus and Russia after the Ukrainian conflict of 2014. Literature: Vitali Silitski, “Belarus and Russia: Comradeship-in-arms in Preempting Democracy” in “Political Trends in the New Eastern Europe: Ukraine and Belarus” (eds. A. Moshes and V. Silitski), 2007. pp. 02-08. https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep11235 Anais Marin, “The Union State of Belarus and Russia: Myths and Realities of Political-Military Integration.” Vilnius Institute for Policy Analysis, 2020, https://vilniusinstitute.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Anais-Marin-Union-State-of-Belarus-and-Russia.pdf. Artyom Shraibman, “A Brotherly Takeover: Could Russia Annex Belarus?” 29.01.2019, Cernegie Moscow Center, https://carnegie.ru/commentary/78226 Artyom Shraibman, “Oil Spoils the Russia- Belarus Romance,” 28.01.2020, Carnegie Moscow Center, https://carnegie.ru/commentary/80905. “Building Belarus’ defense capacity is at odds with Russia’s interests,” 26.05.2020. Belarus Security Blog, https://bsblog.info/building-belarus-defense-capacity-is-at-odds-with-russias-interests/. Māris Cepurītis, 2017. “Belarus Political Relations with Russia after the Annexation of Crimea”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 73-86.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Dilemma of bilateral cooperation: Relationship of Belarus and the EU

Annotation: Since restoration of independence and Lukashenko’s coming to power, the foreign policy course has been clear: to strengthen relations with Russia and to preserve the legacy of the USSR. This has affected EU-Belarus cooperation until now. This lecture will address the issues of EU-Belarus relations, the framework in which this cooperation operates, the limitations within the Belarusian regime. Attention will also be paid to several periods of stabilization and freezing of relations, emphasizing the impact of the 2014 conflict in Ukraine on the change in Belarus' foreign policy strategy. Topics covered during the class: Since Lukashenko came to power in 1994, the foreign policy course has been clear: to strengthen relations with Russia and to preserve the legacy of the USSR. This has affected EU-Belarus cooperation. This lecture will address the issues of EU-Belarus relations, the framework in which this cooperation operates, the limitations within the Belarusian regime. Attention will also be paid to several periods of stabilization and freezing of relations, emphasizing the impact of the 2014 conflict in Ukraine on the change in Belarus' foreign policy strategy. Literature: - “EU-Belarus Relations”, European Commision, European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/neighbourhood/countries/belarus_en. - Dzianis Melyantsou, 2017. “Belarus -EU Relations: Normalization 2.0”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 45-56. - Artyom Shraibman, “Europe’s Last Dictator Comes in from the Cold,” 06.04.2020. Carnegie Moscow Center, https://carnegie.ru/commentary/63252 - Judy Dempsey, “The Kremlin Tries Charm to Counter E.U.” 05.08.2013. Carnegie Moscow Center, https://carnegieeurope.eu/2013/08/05/kremlin-tries-charm-to-counter-e.u-pub-52611. - Yauheni Preiherman, “Belarus and the EU: Where Could Another Rapprochement Lead?” 27.01.2020. The Jamestown Foundation, https://jamestown.org/program/belarus-and-the-eu-where-could-another-rapprochement-lead/. - Reid Standish, “Russia May Need to Say ‘Do Svidaniya’ to Belarus,” 30.01.2015, Foreign Policy, https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/01/30/russia-may-need-to-say-do-svidaniya-to-belarus/
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Belarus and international organisations (EEU, CIS, CSTO)

Annotation: The lecture will analyse relations of Belarus with various international organisations, while drawing attention to the direct and indirect impact of these organisations on domestic and foreign political choices of Belarus. Literature: - Mārcis Balodis, 2020. “Eurasian Economic Union: Numbers and Trends”, in The Russian Economy: Prospects for Putin 4.0.. A. Kudors, J. Hermanis (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 109-124. - “Here’s looking at EAEU #4: Belarus backs itself into trade corner,” 03.09.2020. Eurasianet, https://eurasianet.org/heres-looking-at-eaeu-4-belarus-backs-itself-into-trade-corner. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, “Belarus and CIS countries and Georgia,” https://mfa.gov.by/en/bilateral/cis/ - A. V. Tihomirov, 2015. “Approaches of the Main Actors in the Development of CSTO after 2014 (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan), in “Collective Security Treaty Organization and Contingency Planning after 2014,” A.F. Douhan and A.V. Russakovich (eds.), The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, pp. 35-60, https://www.dcaf.ch/sites/default/files/publications/documents/CSTO_ContingencyPlanningAfter2014_eng.pdf - Siarhei Bohdan, “The World HandCOV’d: CSTO: in search of raisons d'être,” 29.06.2020, Minsk Dialogue, https://minskdialogue.by/en/research/opinions/the-world-handcov-d-csto-in-search-of-raisons-d-tre
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Relations of Belarus with the United States and China: new in a search for new allies?

Annotation: Lukashenko’s foreign policy strategy focuses on “manoeuvring” between different players at times of tensions with Russia. This lecture will focus on relations of Belarus with China and the United States, trying to find an answer to the question what is the basis for this cooperation: economic and political benefits or an instrument in talks with the Kremlin. Literature: - Temur Umarov, “In Belarus, China is Neither at Odds with Russia nor Wedded to Lukashenko,” 07.09.2020, Carnegie Moscow Center, https://carnegie.ru/commentary/82662 - Brian G. Carlson, ”Why China will support Russia in Belarus?” 31.08.2020. The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2020/08/why-china-will-support-russia-in-belarus/ - Nicolas Bouchet, “The Wheel May be About to Turn (Again) in U.S. – Belarus Relations,” 08.06.2020, https://www.gmfus.org/blog/2020/08/06/wheel-may-be-about-turn-again-us-belarus-relations
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Poland, Ukraine and Baltic States: cooperation opportunities and limitations

Annotation: The lecture will analyse relations of Belarus with Poland, Ukraine and the three Baltic States, providing students with broader insight into how Belarus builds relations with relatively close neighbours and which are the biggest challenges and opportunities of these relations. Literature: - Petro Burkovsky, 2017. “Ukrainian-Belarusian Relations from 2014 and Beyond: Using Good Chances and Looking for Better Times”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 117-137. - Andrei Yeliseyeu, 2017. “The Poland-Belarus Relathionship: Geopolitics Gave New Impetus, but no Breakthrough”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 159-170. - Dzianis Melyantsou, “Belarus’s Relations With the Baltic States: Strategic Economic Links and Pragmatic Foreign Policy Calculations,” 29.05.2020. The Jamestown Foundation, https://jamestown.org/program/belaruss-relations-with-the-baltic-states-strategic-economic-links-and-pragmatic-foreign-policy-calculations/
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Impact of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus “Covid-19” on the stability of the Lukashenko’s regime and the future of Belarus: quo vadis, Belarus? TBD – if not relevant anymore, then some other relevant topic at the end

Annotation: 2020 has been challenging for Belarus. The global pandemic and Lukashenko’s decision to ignore it led to a tense presidential election to the 6th term and a difficult situation for the existing elite of Belarus. The lecture will familiarise students with the impact of the crisis on the economy and Lukashenko’s presidential election to the sixth term, looking at potential scenarios for further development of Belarus. Literature: - Ryhor Astapenia, Anaïs Marin, “Belarusians Left Facing COVID-19 Alone”, 16.04.2020. Chatham House, https://www.chathamhouse.org/2020/04/belarusians-left-facing-covid-19-alone - Artyom Shraibamn, “Coronavirus Inflames Russia-Belarus Quarrel,” 25.03.2020. The Carnegie Moscow Center, https://carnegie.ru/commentary/81361 - Mariya Sadouskaya – Komlach, “Who can replace Lukashenko in Belarus?” 26.08.2020. Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/alexander-lukashenko-replacement-belarus/
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Belarus and historical impact of different powers. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Belarus in the USSR and after it collapsed: consequences. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Lukashenko’s coming to power and potential development scenarios. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Basic pillars supporting the regime in Belarus: institutions and Lukashenko’s impact on them. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Can Belarus reach the “golden mean” in its relations with Russia? Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Does the framework of Belarus-EU relations need restructuring? Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Belarus and international organisations: winner or loser. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Impact of China and the United States on Belarus. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Poland, Ukraine and Baltic States: cooperation opportunities and limitations. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Impact of the global pandemic on Belarus: are changes possible in the near future? Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
46 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Belarus: in the crossroads of history

Annotation: The aim of the lecture is to introduce students with the history of Belarus until 20th Century. The topics that will be covered in this lecture include: - Polatsk - Litva - Ruthenia - Uniate-land - Belarus Begins. Literature: Lubov Bazan. A History of Belarus. Glasgow Publications, United Kingdom, 2014, pp. 20-306. Ainārs Lerhis, 2017. “The History of Belarus: Multiply Identities”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 11-19.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. 20th century: Collapse of the USSR and independent Belarus

Annotation: The second lecture aims to familiarise students with the history of Belarus in the 20th century. The lecture will mainly focus on students’ knowledge of the process of restoring independence of Belarus in the context of the collapse of the USSR until 1994, when Alexander Lukashenko became the President. Literature: Lubov Bazan. A History of Belarus. Glasgow Publications, United Kingdom, 2014, pp. 316-346.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. A. Lukashenko’s coming to power: formation of an authoritarian state

Annotation: To explain today’s Belarus and its role in the international system, as well as relations with neighbouring countries, particular attention should be paid to A. Lukashenko. Who is President Lukashenko? How did he come to power in 1994? What changes did the new President of that time bring to the country’s political system? How is the Belarusian domestic political system built and on which pillars? What is the trajectory of Lukashenko’s foreign policy and what role does Lukashenko himself play in it? Literature: Robert Coalson, “Flexible Stagnation: How Lukashenka has held on to Power For 25 Years in Belarus”, 20.07.2019. Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, https://www.rferl.org/a/flexible-stagnation-how-lukashenka-has-held-on-to-power-for-25-years-in-belarus/30066472.html Oleg Manev, Natalie Manayeva, Dzmitry Yuran. “More State than Nation: Lukashenko’s Belarus,” in Journal of International Affairs, Fall/Winter2011, Vol. 65 Issue 1, pp. 93-113. House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus,” House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, http://www.house.gov.by/en/constitution-of-the-republic-of-belarus-en/ Video: “Обыкновенный президент (English subtitles),” Юрий Хащеватский, 1996, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmb5ZMBItrE
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Personalisation of power in Lukashenko’s presidency: institutions, elites and society

Annotation: The lecture aims to continue the 3rd lecture on strengthening of Lukashenko’s authoritarianism in the country, with a particular focus on the personalisation of power and its reflection on several levels: institutions, elites and society. The lecture will provide students with an insight into the specifics of the regime created and maintained by Lukashenko, providing a base for further analysis. Literature: Artyom Shraibman. “The House that Lukashenko Built: the Foundation, Evolution, and Future of the Belarus Regime.” Carnegie Moscow Center, April 2018, https://carnegieendowment.org/files/CP328_Shraibman_Belarus_FINAL.pdf Artyom Shraibman, “Lukashenko and the Reformers,”28.07.2020, Carnegie Moscow Center, https://carnegie.ru/commentary/64194 Matthew Frearer. Belarus Under Lukashenka: Adaptive Authoritarianism. Routledge; 1st Edition (September 4, 2018), pp. 31-47; pp. 49-62; pp. Konstantin Ash. “The election trap: the cycle of post-electoral repression and opposition fragmentation in Lukahsenko’s Belarus.” Democartization, Vol. 22. 2015. Issue 6. pp. 1030-1053. https://doi.org/10.1080/13510347.2014.899585
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Belarus and historical impact of different powers. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Belarus in the USSR and after it collapsed: consequences. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Lukashenko’s coming to power and potential development scenarios. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Basic pillars supporting the regime in Belarus: institutions and Lukashenko’s impact on them. Discussion and presentations

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
28 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Visa literatūra ir angļu valodā un piemērota gan latviešu, gan angļu plūsmas studentiem

2.

Lubov Bazan. A History of Belarus. Glasgow Publications, United Kingdom, 2014, pp. 20-306.

3.

Ainārs Lerhis, 2017. “The History of Belarus: Multiply Identities”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 11-19.

4.

Robert Coalson, “Flexible Stagnation: How Lukashenka has held on to Power For 25 Years in Belarus”, 20.07.2019. Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty.

5.

Oleg Manev, Natalie Manayeva, Dzmitry Yuran. “More State than Nation: Lukashenko’s Belarus,” in Journal of International Affairs, Fall/Winter2011, Vol. 65 Issue 1, pp. 93-113.

6.

House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus,” House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus.

7.

Artyom Shraibman. “The House that Lukashenko Built: the Foundation, Evolution, and Future of the Belarus Regime.” Carnegie Moscow Center, April 2018.

8.

Artyom Shraibman, “Lukashenko and the Reformers,”28.07.2020, Carnegie Moscow Center.

9.

Matthew Frearer. Belarus Under Lukashenka: Adaptive Authoritarianism. Routledge; 1st Edition (September 4, 2020), pp. 31-47; pp. 49-62; pp.

10.

Konstantin Ash. “The election trap: the cycle of post-electoral repression and opposition fragmentation in Lukahsenko’s Belarus.” Democartization, Vol. 22. 2015. Issue 6. pp. 1030-1053.

11.

Vitali Silitski, “Belarus and Russia: Comradeship-in-arms in Preempting Democracy” in “Political Trends in the New Eastern Europe: Ukraine and Belarus” (eds. A. Moshes and V. Silitski), 2007. pp. 02-08.

12.

Anais Marin, “The Union State of Belarus and Russia: Myths and Realities of Political-Military Integration.” Vilnius Institute for Policy Analysis, 2020.

13.

Artyom Shraibman, “A Brotherly Takeover: Could Russia Annex Belarus?” 29.01.2019, Cernegie Moscow Center.

14.

Artyom Shraibman, “Oil Spoils the Russia- Belarus Romance,” 28.01.2020, Carnegie Moscow Center.

15.

“Building Belarus’ defense capacity is at odds with Russia’s interests,” 26.05.2020. Belarus Security Blog.

16.

Māris Cepurītis, 2017. “Belarus Political Relations with Russia after the Annexation of Crimea”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 73-86.

17.

“EU-Belarus Relations”, European Commision, European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.

18.

Dzianis Melyantsou, 2017. “Belarus - EU Relations: Normalization 2.0”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 45-56.

19.

Artyom Shraibman, “Europe’s Last Dictator Comes in from the Cold,” 06.04.2020. Carnegie Moscow Center.

20.

Judy Dempsey, “The Kremlin Tries Charm to Counter E.U.” 05.08.2013. Carnegie Moscow Center.

21.

Yauheni Preiherman, “Belarus and the EU: Where Could Another Rapprochement Lead?” 27.01.2020. The Jamestown Foundation.

22.

Reid Standish, “Russia May Need to Say ‘Do Svidaniya’ to Belarus,” 30.01.2015, Foreign Policy.

23.

Mārcis Balodis, 2020. “Eurasian Economic Union: Numbers and Trends”, in The Russian Economy: Prospects for Putin 4.0.. A. Kudors, J. Hermanis (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 109-124.

24.

“Here’s looking at EAEU #4: Belarus backs itself into trade corner,” 03.09.2020. Eurasianet.

25.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, “Belarus and CIS countries and Georgia”.

26.

A. V. Tihomirov, 2015. “Approaches of the Main Actors in the Development of CSTO after 2014 (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan)”, in “Collective Security Treaty Organization and Contingency Planning after 2014,” A.F. Douhan and A.V. Russakovich (eds.), The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, pp. 35-60.

27.

Temur Umarov, “In Belarus, China is Neither at Odds with Russia nor Wedded to Lukashenko,” 07.09.2020, Carnegie Moscow Center.

28.

Brian G. Carlson, ”Why China will support Russia in Belarus?” 31.08.2020. The Diplomat.

29.

Nicolas Bouchet, “The Wheel May be About to Turn (Again) in U.S. - Belarus Relations,” 08.06.2020.

30.

Petro Burkovsky, 2017. “Ukrainian-Belarusian Relations from 2014 and Beyond: Using Good Chances and Looking for Better Times”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 117-137.

31.

Andrei Yeliseyeu, 2017. “The Poland-Belarus Relathionship: Geopolitics Gave New Impetus, but no Breakthrough”, in Belarusian Foreign Policy: 360. A. Kudors (eds.), Centre for East European Policy Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, pp. 159-170.

32.

Dzianis Melyantsou, “Belarus’s Relations With the Baltic States: Strategic Economic Links and Pragmatic Foreign Policy Calculations,” 29.05.2020. The Jamestown Foundation.

Additional Reading

1.

Mariya Sadouskaya - Komlach, “Who can replace Lukashenko in Belarus?” 26.08.2020. Politico.Suitable for English stream

2.

Ryhor Astapenia, Anaïs Marin, “Belarusians Left Facing COVID-19 Alone”, 16.04.2020. Chatham House.Suitable for English stream

3.

Artyom Shraibamn, “Coronavirus Inflames Russia-Belarus Quarrel,” 25.03.2020. The Carnegie Moscow Center.Suitable for English stream

4.

Siarhei Bohdan, “The World HandCOV’d: CSTO: in search of raisons d'être,” 29.06.2020, Minsk Dialogue.Suitable for English stream

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