Belarus

Belarus is considered the last authoritarian state in Europe. Since 1994, veteran autocrat Alyaksander Lukashenka has ruled the state, winning the presidential election three times. International organizations constantly criticized the election process and noted much manipulation, misuse, and violation. The international relations of Belarus are confined to Russia, China, Venezuela, and Cuba because of political factors. Despite these circumstances, Belarus is a member [Page 112]of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States. In 1999, Russia and Belarus signed an agreement about the establishment of a united state. Because large steps in creating this common country have not been made, it acquired the name of a “paper” state. However, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan signed an agreement about a customs union at the end of ...