Between 2023 and 2025, long-time Belarus leader Lukashenko deepened the authoritarian consolidation in the country through widespread political repression, the absence of pluralism and the systematic suppression of civil liberties. Both the 2024 parliamentary and local elections and the 2025 presidential vote failed to meet basic democratic standards. Law enforcement and the judiciary continued to serve as instruments of control, while state-led disinformation and historical revisionism further polarized society.
Despite a temporary rebound driven by Russian military contracts, Belarus faces long-term economic stagnation. Western sanctions continued to target key sectors, and the economy remains heavily dependent on Russia for exports, energy and financial support.
International isolation intensified as Belarus deepened its integration with Russia and expanded cooperation with China. Accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and partnership within BRICS underscored Minsk’s strategic alignment with authoritarian allies.
