Belarus: A Country's Independence And Autonomy Questioned

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Belarus has a population of around 9.4 million people and is known for its rich cultural heritage and history.

The country has had a tumultuous past, with different states controlling its lands over the centuries. Belarus gained independence from the Soviet Union on 25 August 1991, and since then, it has been led by President Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as Europe's last dictator. Lukashenko has maintained a highly centralized and authoritarian government, facing criticism from Western nations for human rights violations and suppression of free speech.

Despite its independence, Belarus remains heavily dependent on Russia economically and politically. The two countries have a close relationship and have even discussed adopting a single currency. However, their ties have been tested at times, such as during the 2004 Russia-Belarus energy dispute.

With a history marked by foreign rule and a present characterized by an authoritarian regime, the question of Belarus's independence and sovereignty is a complex and ongoing topic.

Belarus's independence

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Belarus has a population of around 9.4 million people and Minsk is its capital and largest city.

The history of Belarus dates back to the Stone Age, with the first signs of settlements in ancient Belarus dating back around 250,000 BC. In the early centuries AD, the colonisation of Belarus by the Slavs began, and over the next few centuries, they settled over the entire region, replacing the earlier Baltic culture.

In the 13th century, the territory of modern-day Belarus became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, a powerful state that spanned Belarus, Lithuania, Ukraine, and western Russia. The Duchy began its rise to power under the reign of Mindovg (Mindaugas) and remained a dominating force until a series of wars in the 16th century.

In 1569, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland signed the Union of Lublin, uniting in a federative state called Rzecz Pospolita. This marked the start of a turbulent time in Belarusian history, with the state being drawn into several wars in Europe and with Russia. As a result, Rzecz Pospolita lost its independence, and in 1795, its territories were divided between Russia, Austria, and Prussia.

Belarus became part of the Russian Empire and was subjected to a policy of Russification, which included the suppression of the Belarusian language and culture. During the Russian Revolution in 1917, different states arose competing for legitimacy, ultimately leading to the rise of the Byelorussian SSR, a founding constituent republic of the Soviet Union.

During World War II, Belarus was occupied by Nazi Germany and suffered devastating losses, with about a quarter of its population and half of its economic resources destroyed. The anti-Nazi insurgent movement dominated politics in the post-war years, overseeing Belarus' transformation from an agrarian to an industrial economy.

On July 27, 1990, the parliament of the republic proclaimed the sovereignty of Belarus, and on August 25, 1991, Belarus gained independence during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Alexander Lukashenko became the first president of the independent republic in 1994 and has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since. Lukashenko has maintained a close relationship with Russia, Belarus's primary economic partner, and the two countries have signed several treaties aimed at increasing cooperation.

While Belarus has continued several Soviet-era policies, such as state ownership of large sections of the economy, it has also faced criticism from the international community for human rights violations, suppression of free speech, and electoral fraud. The European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have imposed sanctions on Belarus due to political oppression and the country's role in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The country's economy

Belarus is an upper-middle-income, export-oriented country with a mixed economy. The country has a well-developed manufacturing industry, services sector, and agricultural sector. The economy is highly centralized, with the state retaining control over key industries and eschewing the large-scale privatisation efforts seen in other former Soviet republics. Belarus has a population of around 9 million people and is the world's 74th-largest economy by GDP.

Historical Context

Belarus's economy has been shaped by its history as a former Soviet republic. During the Soviet post-war years, Belarus became one of the most prosperous parts of the USSR, with rapid industrialisation and development as an important trade hub between the Soviet Union and Europe. However, with independence came economic decline.

Post-Soviet Transition

As a post-Soviet transition economy, Belarus has experienced significant economic challenges and financial distress, particularly in the 1990s due to the impact of the financial crisis in Russia, its close economic partner. This resulted in a sharp increase in prices, devaluation of the national currency, a decline in trade, and overall deterioration of the country's balance of payments.

Economic Performance

Despite these challenges, Belarus's economy has shown resilience and dynamic growth over time. Between 2001 and 2005, the country's GDP grew at an average rate of 7.4%, peaking at 9.2% in 2005. The industrial sector has been a major driver of growth, with manufacturing playing a pivotal role. Belarus's GDP expanded by 18.3% in comparable prices between 2010 and 2020, and productivity grew by 28.2% during this period.

Major Industries

The major industries in Belarus include manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The country has a strong focus on exports, with key trading partners including Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Germany. Belarus has a highly educated workforce, with a literacy rate of 99%.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Belarus has faced economic sanctions from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and other countries due to political oppression and its role in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions have targeted corporate offices, individual government officers, and private individuals in the state-owned enterprise industrial sector. Additionally, there has been a brain drain in the IT sector, with many tech specialists leaving the country due to the nation-wide opposition crackdown.

Belarus's political system

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is a semi-presidential republic with a bicameral parliament, the National Assembly, and a directly elected president. The country has a highly centralised and authoritarian government, with power concentrated in the hands of the president.

The president of Belarus is the head of state and is popularly elected for a five-year term. The president has the power to appoint the prime minister, make constitutional amendments, call for a vote of confidence on the prime minister, and make suggestions on foreign and domestic policy. The president also has a role in the formation and functioning of the executive branch, appointing and dismissing deputy prime ministers, ministers, and other members of the government.

The National Assembly consists of the Council of the Republic (the upper house) and the House of Representatives (the lower house). Members of the Council serve four-year terms and are mostly elected by regional councils, while members of the House are popularly elected to serve four-year terms. The House of Representatives has the power to appoint the prime minister, make constitutional amendments, and call for a vote of confidence on the prime minister. The Council of the Republic has the power to select various government officials, conduct impeachment trials of the president, and accept or reject bills passed by the House of Representatives.

The constitution of Belarus, adopted in 1994 and amended several times since, provides for the fundamental structure of the Belarusian state. It characterises the republic as a "democratic, social state" and guarantees a broad range of rights and freedoms. The constitution establishes the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with each branch being independent within its powers and interacting on the basis of mutual checks and balances.

Alexander Lukashenko has been the president of Belarus since 1994 and has ruled with an iron fist, suppressing free speech, muzzling the press, and denying the opposition access to state media. Lukashenko has repeatedly been re-elected in contests labelled as unfair and undemocratic by opposition candidates and foreign observers. The country ranks low in international measurements of freedom of the press and civil liberties, and there are restrictions on freedom of assembly and religion.

There are more than a dozen registered political parties in Belarus, but political success depends more on loyalty to the president than on party affiliation. Opposition parties are permitted but have had little electoral success. They include the Party of Communists of Belarus, the Party of the Belarusian Popular Front, the United Civic Party, and the Belarusian Social Democrats.

The Belarusian government has been criticised by international organisations and human rights groups for political oppression, human rights violations, and its actions against NGOs, independent journalists, national minorities, and opposition politicians. The EU, UK, USA, and Canada have all imposed sanctions on Belarus due to these concerns.

International relations

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Belarus has a population of around 9.1 million and is administratively divided into six regions. Minsk is the capital and largest city.

Belarus maintains diplomatic relations with 183 countries and is represented internationally by 74 foreign missions in 57 countries. It has embassies in countries including the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Turkey, and Russia. Belarus is a member of several international organisations, including the United Nations, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Eurasian Economic Union, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. It is also an observer to the World Trade Organization.

Belarus–Russia Relations

Russia is Belarus's largest and most important partner in the political and economic fields. In 1996, the two countries signed a treaty to form a community, agreeing to pursue monetary union, equal rights, single citizenship, and a common defence and foreign policy. Belarus is heavily dependent on Russia for its energy supplies, and almost half of Belarusian exports go to Russia.

Belarus–European Union Relations

The European Community recognised Belarus as an independent state in December 1991, and relations initially progressed steadily. However, progress stalled in 1996 due to setbacks in the development of democracy and the Drazdy conflict. The EU did not recognise the 1996 constitution, and in 1997, the Council of the European Union decided against Belarus, with the EU suspending technical assistance programs and freezing bilateral relations at the ministerial level. In 2005, the European Parliament denounced the Belarusian government as a dictatorship and called for the tracking and freezing of Lukashenko's personal bank accounts. In 2011, Belarus withdrew from the EU's Eastern Partnership program.

Belarus–United States Relations

The United States recognised Belarus's independence in December 1991 and established diplomatic relations. However, relations have since soured due to accusations of undemocratic practices and interference in internal affairs. The US has restricted the travel of President Lukashenko and imposed economic sanctions. In 2022, the US closed its embassy in Minsk due to Belarus allowing Russian soldiers to use its territory to invade Ukraine.

Belarus–Baltic Relations

In 2005, there was a dispute between Poland and Belarus over the treatment of the Polish minority in Belarus, with Poland recalling its ambassador and calling on the EU to impose sanctions. In response, Belarusian papers accused Poland of playing a 'dirty political game' and waging a 'cold war' against Lukashenko.

Relations with Other Countries

Due to strained relations with the US and the EU, as well as occasional disputes with Russia, Belarus aims to develop better relations with countries in other regions, including the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Belarus has embassies in countries such as Brazil, India, Israel, Japan, and South Korea. It has established diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Argentina, China, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Human rights in Belarus

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It has been ruled by President Alexander Lukashenko since 1994, who has been described as having an "authoritarian ruling style". Lukashenko has been re-elected several times in contests that have been labelled as unfair and undemocratic by opposition candidates and foreign observers.

The human rights situation in Belarus has been the subject of widespread criticism from organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations. The country ranks low in international measurements of freedom of the press and civil liberties, and has continued several Soviet-era policies, such as state ownership of large sections of the economy.

Freedom of Expression, Association, and Peaceful Assembly

The Belarusian government has been criticised for its suppression of free speech, censorship of independent media, and denial of opposition access to state media. TV is the main news source in the country, with national channels being state-controlled and their main competitors being Russian networks. The internet has been used by the opposition to make its voice heard, but the government has sought to increase its online controls.

The rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly have been severely curtailed. In 2020, during the presidential election and subsequent protests, the number of political prisoners recognised by the Viasna Human Rights Centre rose dramatically. The Belarusian authorities targeted and intimidated civil society activists and independent media. Hundreds of peaceful protesters were arbitrarily arrested and held in "administrative detention".

Persecution of Religious Minorities and National Minorities

The Belarusian government has been accused of persecuting religious minorities, such as Protestant churches and Jewish communities. In 2004, a ban on home worship was reported, and members of Protestant churches asked the government to repeal a law that forbade them from worshipping in their own homes.

National minorities, including Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian communities, have also faced discrimination. For example, in 2004, it was reported that on some government-job applications, Belarusians were required to state their nationality, which has been cited as evidence of state antisemitism.

Torture and Ill-Treatment

Torture and other ill-treatment have been reported to be widespread and endemic in Belarus, with perpetrators enjoying impunity. Individuals convicted under politically motivated charges have faced harsh treatment and inhumane conditions, including denial of adequate healthcare and contact with family members.

During the 2020 protests, the use of unlawful and abusive force, including firearms, by law enforcement officials resulted in several deaths. The United Nations Human Rights Council's review of the human rights situation in Belarus found that the use of violence by security forces against peaceful protesters was strongly criticised.

Political Prisoners and Dissidents

Belarus has been criticised by Amnesty International for its treatment of political prisoners, including members of the youth wing of the Belarusian Popular Front (a pro-democracy party). The organisation also documented cases of clampdown on human rights ahead of the 2020 presidential elections, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

In December 2010, Belarusian security forces attacked demonstrators, beating and injuring many activists, and arresting more than 600 people after a rally in central Minsk to protest the outcome of the elections. The European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on individual Belarusian officials in response to the systematic abuse and torture of Belarusians during the crackdown on protesters.

Judicial System and Rule of Law

The Belarusian judicial system has been characterised by a high conviction rate, with a reported 99.7% of criminal cases resulting in conviction in 2020. The judicial system has been particularly severe towards people expressing their views, including journalists, civil activists, and those making political comments on social media.

The country's judicial system lacks independence and is subject to political interference. The Belarusian Constitution provides for the separation of powers and an independent judiciary, but these provisions are often ignored by the government. Corruption, inefficiency, and political interference are prevalent in the judiciary, and executive and local authorities dictate the outcomes of trials.

Capital Punishment

Belarus is the only European country that continues to use capital punishment.

International Response and Sanctions

The European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have all imposed sanctions against Belarus due to political oppression and human rights violations. These sanctions have targeted high-ranking officials, members of the judiciary, and individuals responsible for political repression, forced disappearances, propaganda, and electoral fraud.

The Council of Europe has barred Belarus from membership since 1997 due to undemocratic voting and election irregularities. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has also not accepted any presidential or parliamentary election or referendum held in Belarus since 2017 as free and fair.

In conclusion, the human rights situation in Belarus is a cause for serious concern, with widespread violations of civil and political rights. The international community has responded with sanctions and calls for accountability, but the situation remains dire for many Belarusians facing repression and a lack of fundamental freedoms.

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