Member-only story
Belarus: Lukashenko & Putin
Why We Should Pay Attention to the Last Dictator in Europe
Widely described as the ‘last dictatorship in Europe,’ Belarus masquerades under the title of a democracy with free elections, whilst being an autocracy.
The Political System in Belarus
Belarus has a House of Representatives, who appoint the Prime Minister, opposing party members, and a constitution. Initially, the constitution stated that the president was only allowed to serve two terms. In 2004, this was changed in line with Lukashenko’s aspirations to remain in power.
International observers have called the elections rigged and unfair; and opposing politicians are often fined or imprisoned. Observers also point out that Belarus is among the worst states in Europe for free expression and freedom of the press. This does not stop Lukashenko.
Lukashenko has utilized a number of important strategies to remain in power in Belarus. However, his methods are different from other dictators who utilize populism and national identity to their advantage. The Belarusian state has not made extraneous efforts to validate the Belarusian language.
That is not to say that Belarusians are not proud of their language and culture. Lukashenko himself has argued that his…
