Особенности современного геополитического положения Республики Беларусь

Abstract

The collapse of the Soviet Union cardinally altered Belarus's geopolitical role on the map of Europe. Consequently, the young republic found itself at a unique crossroads between the east and west—at the geographical centre of Europe. By European standards Belarus can be compared in physical size and population with Austria, Belgium, Greece, Hungary and Portugal. The republic ranked ninth in terms of human development among 19 Central and East European countries in the year 2000 despite the controversies surrounding Belarus's transition. The author argues that Belarus's foreign, economic and cultural policies should reflect its unique geopolitical location within the context of an expanding Europe. In spite of its traditionally strong ties with Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Minsk needs to equally foster and actively pursue constructive relations with its immediate neighbours and the West.