Publication

This commentary looks at the state of the Belarusian economy. It discusses the special features of the country's economic model; the causes of it's economic problems and downturn in 2011; the political and economic consequences of the mounting problems; and what the government is trying to do to address the situation. The author argues that, in the long run, the government will have to choose between Russian support and increased dependence on Moscow, and an attempt to resume dialogue and cooperation with the West - in exchange for refraining from repressing the opposition.