BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg and Belarusian journalist Gennadiy Kot delve into Alexander Lukashenko's 30-year rule in Belarus, his alliance with Putin, brutal crackdown on dissent, and the future of Belarus amidst geopolitical challenges.
Lukashenko's strategic alliances with Putin influence regional dynamics in Eastern Europe.
His portrayal as a humble leader resonates with Belarusians but masks authoritarian practices and human rights abuses.
Deep dives
Alexander Lukashenko's Influence in Eastern Europe
Alexander Lukashenko, the long-standing Belarusian leader, has been a controversial figure in Eastern Europe, with contrasting opinions labeling him as both a man of the people and a puppet of the Kremlin. Lukashenko's strategic positioning between Russia and the European Union has made him a key player in the region, particularly in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine. Despite Lukashenko's 30-year reign marked by a brutal crackdown on opposition, his alliances and role in regional dynamics continue to shape Eastern Europe.
Lukashenko's Personal Image and Political Strategy
Alexander Lukashenko has cultivated a unique persona in Belarus, portraying himself as a humble, down-to-earth leader who resonates with the working class. His hands-on approach, including engaging in manual labor publicly, has appealed to Belarusians, emphasizing his commitment to eradicating corruption and serving the people. Lukashenko's rise to power since 1994 highlights his anti-corruption platform, though his regime has been criticized for authoritarian practices and human rights abuses.
Challenges and Future Prospects for Lukashenko's Regime
Alexander Lukashenko's authoritarian rule in Belarus has faced mounting international scrutiny due to widespread political oppression and suppression of dissent. With over 40,000 politically motivated arrests and numerous political prisoners, dissent is met with zero tolerance in the country. Lukashenko's reluctance to relinquish power, coupled with Belarus' economic dependence on Russia, raises questions about the regime's sustainability and potential outcomes post-Lukashenko, with concerns over further alignment with Russia's interests.
The authoritarian leader marks 30 years in power. Alexander Lukashenko has become a key ally for Vladimir Putin since the start of the war in Ukraine. He’s also spent the last three decades tightening his grip on Belarus, launching a brutal crackdown on his political opponents. How has this veteran of Soviet politics shaped Eastern Europe?
Caitríona Perry speaks to BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg and Belarusian journalist Gennadiy Kot from BBC Monitoring.
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This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery, Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.
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