[...] Since its official establishment in 1991, Belarus has struggled with the implementation of
democratic policies. The republic is a nominal democracy and was pursuing liberal reforms after
gaining independence, however, since his election in 1994, its current president Alyaksandar
Lukashenka, was repeatedly able to expand his almost autocratic powers. The fact that most other
countries in Eastern Europe have democratized more or less like textbook examples makes
Belarus’ autocracy a true exception. In this paper, the question will be answered why
democratization has so far failed in post-communist Belarus.
To answer this question thoroughly, it is indispensable to portrait the pre-transitional
history and political climate in communist Belarus (section 2.), as well as the actual transition
process starting in 1989 (section 3.). The research then turns to the question of how and to what
extent external actors, especially the U.S. and Europe, engaged in democratization efforts
(section 4.). Eventually, the analysis of external and internal factors will answer the central
question of why democracy failed in Belarus (section 5.). It will be determined whether
international efforts have been made effectively and correctly, and also, which domestic factors
averted a move towards democracy. The results found in this research indicate that international
actors failed to recognize Belarus’ exceptionalism among democratizing Eastern European
countries and therefore virtually missed the crucial period in which democratization was still a
political possibility for Belarus. Most importantly, however, internal factors were most
significant in the authoritarian development of Belarus. Weak traditions of democracy, statehood, and national identity made and continue to make the Belarusian people an easy target for
dictatorial rule.
The evaluation of the transitional process in Belarus will be based on primary sources such
as official documents published by U.S. and European government authorities. Furthermore,
press releases, scientific journal articles, news articles, and information from book chapters will
complete the picture.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Portrait of Soviet Belarus
- The End of the Soviet Era in Belarus
- Democratization in Belarus
- U.S. Democratization Efforts
- European Democratization Efforts
- Explaining the failure of Belarusian Democracy
- Assessment of Internal Factors
- Assessment of External Factors
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the failure of democratization efforts in Belarus, a post-communist state that has remained a dictatorship in contrast to most of its Eastern European counterparts. It explores the historical context of Belarus within the Soviet Union and the transition process following the collapse of the Soviet Bloc. The paper examines both internal and external factors, including the role of the U.S. and Europe in promoting democratization, in explaining the enduring autocratic rule in Belarus.
- The historical and political context of Belarus within the Soviet Union.
- The transition process in Belarus following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- The role of external actors, particularly the U.S. and Europe, in democratization efforts.
- The impact of internal factors on the development of authoritarianism in Belarus.
- An assessment of the effectiveness of international efforts and the significance of domestic factors in the failure of democratization.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The paper introduces the topic of Belarus as the last dictatorship in Europe and outlines the key questions to be addressed. The paper will explore the historical background, the transition process, and the role of external actors in understanding why democracy failed in Belarus.
- Portrait of Soviet Belarus: This chapter analyzes the historical context of Belarus within the Soviet Union, highlighting the impact of Russian and Polish influence on Belarusian national identity. It examines the consequences of Soviet policies, including Russification and economic dependence on Russia, and the emergence of political opposition.
- The End of the Soviet Era in Belarus: This chapter explores the early years of Belarusian independence and the challenges faced in implementing democratic reforms. It examines the struggles between pro-reform and pro-Soviet factions and the rise of Alyaksandar Lukashenka as a pro-Soviet figure.
- Democratization in Belarus: This chapter explores the efforts of both the U.S. and Europe in promoting democratization in Belarus. It examines the strategies and approaches used by these actors, including financial assistance, political support, and advocacy.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper focuses on key concepts such as democratization, authoritarianism, post-communism, external actors, internal factors, national identity, historical context, and the role of the U.S. and Europe in promoting democracy in Belarus. The analysis draws on various sources, including official documents, news articles, and academic research, to provide a comprehensive overview of the issue.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2006, Europe’s Last Dictatorship - U.S. Democratization Efforts in Belarus, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/153856
