Belarus: Current Political Landscape, Economic Challenges, and Future Prospects

Introduction

The Republic of Belarus, a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its complex political landscape, marked by authoritarian governance and civil unrest, alongside pressing economic challenges. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current political situation in Belarus, the economic difficulties the nation faces, and the implications for its future. By examining the interplay between political repression, civil society movements, and economic performance, this paper seeks to clarify the challenges Belarus faces and the possible trajectories it may follow.

Political Landscape

Belarus is often characterized as Europe’s last dictatorship, a label stemming from the long-standing presidency of Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994. The political landscape is defined by the state’s tight control over political expression, media, and civil society. The 2020 presidential election, widely regarded as fr