The Republic of Belarus or the Belarussian Republic?

Abstract:

Belarus has not broken off its bonds with Moscow after the break-up of the Soviet Union. Throughout the whole period of the Belarussian independence we can observe the country's strong political, economic and military dependence on Russia. This dependence allows Russia to control, and even shape, the processes that take place in Belarus in all the areas mentioned.

One can speak about the existence of one common space of security and defence, dominated by Russia. The functioning of the Belarussian economy depends, to a great extent, on the supply of raw materials from Russia. Russia has ample possibilities to influence both internal political processes in Belarus and its foreign policy. These strong ties between Belarus and Russia, as well as the lasting Russian influence seen against hugely disproportionate potential of both states, makes one raise the following question: to what extent is Belarus an independent country and to what extent is it subordinate to Moscow?