Playing Both Sides: Belarus between Russia and the EU

Abstract: "This paper takes Belarus as a case study to consider patterns of cooperation and conflict between Russia and the EU in the “common neighbourhood.” It examines the ways that Belarus under Alexander Lukashenko has exploited competition between the EU and Russia to extract subsidies which have helped to sustain the regime. The paper begins by examining why Belarus’s relations with Russia have become characterized by cycles of conflict and engagement. Integration with Belarus represents an important part of Russia’s efforts to maintain regional hegemony. On the other hand, the relationship is also perceived as a burden which provides resources for the Belarusian regime’s survival with little benefit to Moscow. The contradictions of this approach have been further sharpened by the Customs Union. It is argued that Belarus has provoked further conflict with Russia by adopting an increasingly instrumental approach to integration. The assertion of loyalty or independence can be seen as a f

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• Alternative title: Ein doppeltes Spiel: Belarus zwischen Russland und der EU
• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource, 18 S.
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Veröffentlichungsversion

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: DGAP-Analyse ; Bd. 2

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Politik

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Berlin
• (when): 2012
• Creator: Nice, Alex
• Contributor: Forschungsinstitut der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Auswärtige Politik e.V

Further information

• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-350228
• Rights: Open Access unbekannt; Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.