Katia Glod: Twilight in Belarus

In his first 15 years in office, Alexander Lukashenko enjoyed impressive popularity. Following the demise of the Soviet Union, the earthy former collective-farm boss won power on a populist anti-corruption platform. Belarusians overlooked his increasingly authoritarian approach, which featured rule by decree, clamping down on NGOs, independent media, and political opponents (some of whom disappeared). One reason was gratitude for stability (in sharp contrast to neighboring Russia). Another was the lack of a credible opposition. Perhaps most important was rising living standards. Though the economy remained largely unmodernized, Belarus was able to refine and sell to the West subsidized crude oil from Russia.

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