The End of Lithuania’s Cautious Friendship with Belarus
The End of Lithuania’s Cautious Friendship with Belarus

Author(s): Kinga Raś
Subject(s): Governance, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Belarus; foreign policy; Lithuania; Poland;
Summary/Abstract: Until the post-election protests in Belarus, Lithuania’s policy towards that country had been characterised by pragmatism. Since then Lithuanian policy has changed to being increasingly involved - supporting the opposition and becoming one of the main proponents of the democratisation of Belarus. Such a position carries the risk of economic losses, but it is limited and Lithuania includes it in the possible costs of its actions. Lithuania’s relations with Belarus are conditioned by Russia’s policy, perceived as a direct threat to Lithuanian security. The development of events in Belarus strengthens, in turn, the cooperation between Poland and Lithuania.

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