№10 (July - August 2019)
The ultimatum-like rhetoric in Belarus’s relationship with Russia gave way to the compromise-based approach. “Big Integration” has been replaced by many smaller projects — the revision of the Union Treaty is carried out sector-wise, without giving up the principle of parity.
The relations with the European Union were characterized by an active agenda that some would deem non-standard for the summer months. The parties are satisfied with the normalization of the bilateral framework.
Regional cooperation dominated in the China dimension, whereas in the media, export supplies of Belarusian-made goods prevailed.
John Bolton’s visit brought the level of political engagement with the United States to a higher level. At the same time, Minsk is looking for new instruments to intensify its cooperation with Washington.
In Ukraine, attempts continued by individual financial and industrial groups and lobbyists to safeguard their positions against Belarusian imports with the use of administrative leverage. In the backdrop, a more rational framework for cooperation between the two states is being shaped.
When it comes to security, Minsk is consistently seeking ways to cooperate with NATO and NATO’s partners. One of the most significant aspects of cooperation is the planned expansion of Belarus’s participation in peacekeeping effort. The militarization of the region around Belarus continues and is aggravated by the global confrontation between the U.S. and Russia; however, the current security status has remained fairly stable.
