Wednesday, September 08, 2021

Russian influence in Belarus

Why do some post-Soviet countries remain under Russian control and some don't? Are any of the countries in the Baltics, Balkans, or Eastern Europe safe from Russia's military or intelligence reach? What does Russia have to gain from influencing the politics of a country that seems to have little influence elsewhere? These questions are some of the most popular discussions in European foreign affairs, as each year every country must strategize about how they will continue their relations with Russia. 

This past year, Russia's influence in Belarus became unavoidably clear, as the two countries have been openly cooperating against anti-government movements. Just today, Russia sent fighter jets to help patrol Belarus's borders.

Over the last year, the world has watched Belarus's government, President Lukashenka in particular, increasing government control of the population and suppressing opposition parties within the country. The administration was supported by Russia's President Putin from the militarization of the government to limiting the freedom of speech, and public information. The tactics applied in Belarus are ones that Putin knows how to apply in his own country, and ones he would easily apply against the will of any other post-Soviet country.

Why should we talk about this today, if this has been going on for months? Russia's fighter jets have just added fuel to the already burning with anger NATO (anger that most likely won't result in anything but sanctions, but still...). With every year, tensions between Russia and Europe rise. Each time the Russian government attempts to further their military land base to countries that are allied with Europe (Georgia, Ukraine, the Baltics), new talks of the Russia issue arise. Yet, they rarely lead to anything because the European governments see the issues as too far removed, and the economic benefits from not getting involved as a too high set. 



This time might be one of the last ones before it is too late, therefore Europe and the US should finally begin thinking in the long run and forget about the short economic benefits. Promote freedom of speech within Belarus, start own anti-propaganda campaigns in the region, support those who speak out against the corrupt governments, and provide them with protection.

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/belarus-and-europes-new-iron-curtain/
https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-moves-sukhoi-su-30-fighter-jets-belarus-patrol-borders-minsk-says-2021-09-08/

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