In the last couple of years, the Belarusian government has made attempts to appear more democratic and open to the West, namely by releasing political prisoners, allowing the publication of opposition newspapers and holding ‘fairer' elections. How has this happened?
This paper first examines exactly how this former star of the Soviet Union found itself in almost total isolation following the fall of communism. The internal politics of Belarus, the failure of Western policy and an exclusive partnership with Russia are all identified here as factors that have severely limited Belarus' foreign policy options.
Recent developments in these areas have either allowed or forced Lukashenka to look towards the West. However, the bond between Belarus and Russia is not about to break just yet, and while Lukshenka remains in power, democratic overtures will remain superficial.
But what does the future hold for this oft-forgotten pariah of Eastern Europe?
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