Model II questions:
While Model I focuses more on a broader picture, Model II attempts to look at organizational traits that shape and produce opinions, perceptions and courses of action.
a) What organization/factor plays the biggest role in Belarus?
It appears to be the Soviet Union. Certainly Soviet Union does not exist, yet its legacy weighs heavily on all aspects of the political, economic and social structure of Belarus. It is seen on Belarus’ national symbols, followed by the executive branch, reinforced by the legislative branch, defended by judicial branch and supported by ordinary masses.
b) What are the capabilities and limits of the given organization?
It helped Belarus to preserve an old lifestyle, made sweeping changes of the early 1990′s less painful and to some extent shielded public from modern day problems associated with post-Soviet political and economic transformations. In a midst of chaos caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union, it presented itself to Belarus as the defender of old good values and factors that made this republic so successful. It helped to preserve familiar economic model, spared many Belarusians from unemployment, assisted in paying their bills, and maintained relatively acceptable living standards.
The limits of this organization are quiet clear. Just like its physical predecessor it can only drag an image of success that far. It limits choices and freedom of decision because its ideological values are too rigid, uncompetitive and incompatible with contemporary systems adopted west of its border.
Considering current energy situation in Belarus, the country should seek multiple partners and suppliers of energy and raw materials. However, in order for it to happen, Belarus needs to distance itself from current organizational dogmas, become transparent and liberalize its institutions.
c) How influential the organization is?
It has enormous influence on Belarus as evidenced by the lack of real progress at this point. Furthermore, in 2006 Presidential elections, Lukashenka, an incumbent President of Belarus won 82.6% of popular vote (OSCE, 2006). While there is no doubt among monitoring groups that these elections were rigged, even the most staunchest Lukashenka’s opponents agree that he would have won elections even without falsifying them.
Related posts:
- How do energy politics impact national sovereignty of Belarus? Model I
- How do energy politics impact national sovereignty of Belarus? Soviet Success
- How do energy politics impact national sovereignty of Belarus? Introduction.
- How do energy politics impact national sovereignty of Belarus? Situation overview
- How do energy politics impact national sovereignty of Belarus? Most Perfect Soviet’ Republic
