Belarus' Independence: A Historical Perspective

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It was part of the Soviet Union until it gained independence in 1991. Belarus has maintained close economic and political ties with Russia since its independence. The country has been led by President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been described as authoritarian and been in power since 1994. Lukashenko has consolidated power through a series of constitutional amendments, restricting the powers of the bicameral National Assembly and removing presidential term limits. Belarus is the only European country that continues to use capital punishment.

The Soviet Union's dissolution

The dissolution of the Soviet Union was a complex process that took place between 1989 and 1991, culminating in the formal dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) on December 26, 1991. Here is a detailed overview of the key events and factors that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union:

Gorbachev's Reforms and Democratization

Mikhail Gorbachev, who became the General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1985, initiated a series of reforms aimed at reviving the stagnating Soviet economy. He introduced policies of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness), which had far-reaching political and social implications. Gorbachev's reforms allowed for greater freedom of speech, enabling nationalist movements and ethnic disputes within the Soviet Union to gain momentum. This led to the rise of popular fronts and pro-independence movements in various republics, challenging the centralized power of the Communist Party.

Rise of Nationalism and Separatism

The Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were among the first to assert their sovereignty and demand independence from the Soviet Union. Estonia was the first Soviet republic to declare state sovereignty in November 1988, followed by Lithuania's declaration of independence in March 1990. The Baltic republics' pursuit of independence set a precedent for other republics and fueled the rise of nationalism across the Union.

Economic Stagnation and Political Crisis

The Soviet Union faced significant economic challenges, with stagnation and a declining standard of living. Gorbachev's reforms failed to improve the economy, and the introduction of limited competitive elections further weakened Communist control. The country experienced incessant political and legislative conflict between the central government and the constituent national republics, who sought greater autonomy.

August Coup and Failed Putsch

In August 1991, a group of hardline Communists and military elites attempted a coup against Gorbachev, seeking to halt his reform efforts and preserve the Soviet Union. The coup failed, but it accelerated the disintegration of the Union. Gorbachev's power was diminished, and Boris Yeltsin, the president of the Russian Federation, gained prominence as a democratic force.

Declaration of Independence by Republics

Following the failed coup, several republics proclaimed their independence from the Soviet Union. On August 25, 1991, Ukraine and Belarus declared their independence, followed by the recognition of the Baltic states' secession in September. The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus met in December 1991 and signed the Belavezha Accords, declaring the Soviet Union no longer existed and forming the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Formal Dissolution of the Soviet Union

On December 26, 1991, the Soviet Union was formally dissolved as a sovereign state by the Soviet of the Republics of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev resigned as president, and the 15 constituent republics gained full independence. This marked the end of the Cold War and the conclusion of the Revolutions of 1989.

The 1990 sovereignty proclamation

The proclamation, known as the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, had several key components. Firstly, it effectively renamed the Byelorussian SSR to the Republic of Belarus, reflecting the country's aspirations for self-governance. Additionally, it established the basis for all state symbols, including the national flag, coat of arms, anthem, and colours. It also defined essential aspects of national identity, such as the national currency, military, and language.

The declaration carried significant weight, as it set the foundation for Belarus' independence. It was a decisive moment that signalled the country's intention to chart its own course and forge a distinct identity separate from the Soviet Union. This proclamation was a critical milestone in the country's history, and it laid the groundwork for the country's eventual independence just over a year later.

The proclamation also had broader implications for the region. With Belarus declaring sovereignty, it added momentum to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which was already undergoing significant changes and facing increasing internal pressures. The declaration contributed to a shift in the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe, as the Soviet Union's influence began to wane and national movements gained traction.

Furthermore, the 1990 sovereignty proclamation had a lasting impact on Belarus' political and social landscape. It paved the way for the adoption of a new constitution in 1994, which established the framework for the country's governance. The proclamation also set in motion a series of events that led to the election of Alexander Lukashenko as the country's first president in the same year. Lukashenko has led the country ever since and has been characterised by his highly centralised and authoritarian style of governance.

The 1991 independence declaration

Belarus declared its independence from the Soviet Union on 25 August 1991. This came after the country proclaimed its sovereignty on 27 July 1990, which was also the date of the Declaration of the State Sovereignty of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR). This declaration was passed by the Supreme Soviet of Belarus or the Supreme Council of the BSSR, and it marked the beginning of the process of Belarus' eventual independence.

The 1990 declaration stated the BSSR's full independence in its domestic and foreign relations policy. It also renamed the BSSR to the Republic of Belarus, establishing the basis for all state symbols such as the national flag, coat of arms, anthem, and colours. It defined the national currency, military, and language.

However, despite the declaration, Belarus continued to remain de facto subordinate to Moscow as part of the Soviet Union. It was only after the failed coup d'etat in Moscow in August 1991 that the Declaration of Sovereignty received the status of a Constitutional Law. On 25 August 1991, after the August events in Moscow, the Byelorussian SSR gave the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Republic constitutional status. This was also the date that Belarus officially gained its independence.

The United States recognised Belarus' independence on 25 December 1991, when President George H.W. Bush announced the decision in an address regarding the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Post-independence politics

Belarus has been led by Alexander Lukashenko since 1994. Lukashenko has been described as a dictator and authoritarian, and his country as "Europe's last dictatorship". Belarus has retained close ties with Russia since the breakup of the Soviet Union, and the two countries signed a treaty in 1999 to create a politically integrated confederation with a common currency. However, the precise nature of the partnership remains unclear.

Lukashenko has consolidated power through authoritarian means, and a 1996 constitutional amendment greatly expanded the powers of the presidency. The country has continued several Soviet-era policies, such as state ownership of large sections of the economy, and is the only European country that continues to use capital punishment. Belarus has also been criticised for human rights violations, including the persecution of non-governmental organisations, independent journalists, national minorities, and opposition politicians.

Lukashenko's controversial victory in the 2020 presidential election, in which he sought a sixth term in office, sparked mass protests. Neighbouring countries Poland and Lithuania do not recognise Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus, and the Lithuanian government has provided a residence for opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other members of the Belarusian opposition in Vilnius. The European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States have also refused to recognise Lukashenko as the legitimate president and imposed sanctions on Belarus due to the rigged election and political oppression during the ongoing protests.

Foreign relations

Belarus has retained close ties with Russia since its independence in 1991. In 1999, the two countries signed the Union State Foundation Treaty, which aimed to create a politically integrated confederation with a common currency. However, the precise nature of the partnership remains unclear. Belarus has also maintained its membership in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which was formed following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The country has a history of strained relations with the United States, and the two countries have recalled their respective ambassadors on multiple occasions. The US has imposed sanctions on Belarus and passed the Belarus Democracy Act in 2004, which authorised funding for anti-government Belarusian NGOs and prohibited loans to the Belarusian government except for humanitarian purposes.

Belarus has trade agreements with several European Union (EU) member states, despite travel bans imposed by the EU on President Lukashenko and other top officials. The EU has imposed sanctions on Belarus following the disputed 2020 presidential election and the country's role in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Belarus suspended its participation in the EU's Eastern Partnership program in June 2021 due to these sanctions.

Belarus has close relations with China, with Lukashenko visiting multiple times during his tenure. The country also has strong ties with Syria, considering it a key partner in the Middle East. Belarus is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (previously the Eurasian Economic Community), the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the international Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

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