Belarus-Russia Relations Flashcards
What is the basis of Belarus–Russia relations?
shared Soviet legacy, Slavic cultural ties, and strategic interdependence.
What is the Union State?
agreement signed in 1999, aiming to unify policies on defence, foreign policy, and currency
Who are the leaders?
Putin (R), Lukashenko (B)
How much of Belarus’s trade is with Russia?
45%
What % of Belarus’s energy comes from Russia?
nearly 100%
How much does Russia subsidize Belarus?
$4–10 billion/year
How many Belarusian troops supported Russia in Ukraine (2022)?
didn’t send troops, but allowed Russian forces to invade Ukraine from its territory
What is the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)?
military alliance used to justify intervention or cooperation in regional conflicts.
Realism
power asymmetry — Belarus relies on Russia for security and economic survival, while Russia uses Belarus as a buffer zone.
Neorealism
limited autonomy due to its geopolitical position and is deeply embedded in Russia’s regional security strategy.
Liberalism
Emphasizes shared institutions like the Union State and CSTO, though cooperation is unequal and not democratic.
Constructivism
shared Slavic identity, Orthodox Christianity, and post-Soviet memory as shaping Belarus’s alignment with Russia.
Dependency Theory / World Systems
semi-peripheral state, economically and politically dependent on Russia’s core influence.
What is the West’s stance on Belarus–Russia ties?
EU and US imposed sanctions on Belarus
Has Belarus lost sovereignty?
De facto sovereignty is increasingly compromised
How has Belarus tried to balance East and West?
Pre-2020, Lukashenko occasionally courted the EU and China for leverage; post-2020, reliance on Russia has intensified.
