Transformation in Belarus: Implications for the West and Russia

The Latvian Institute of International Affairs continues a tradition and invites you to join us for a public discussion: "Transformation in Belarus: Implications for the West and Russia." On September 10, 2020, the event will take place from 17.00 till 18.00 at AC Hotel by Marriott Riga, Conference center, 11th floor, Dzirnavu street 33.

Register here.

 Team of experts:

  • Arkady Moshes, Programme Director, the EU’S Eastern Neighbourhood and Russia research, Finnish Institute of International Affairs
  • Viljar Veebel, Researcher of the Department of Political and Strategic Studies at the Baltic Defence College
  • Viktoria Panova, Vice President for International Relations, Far Eastern Federal University 

Moderator: Mr. Andris Sprūds, Director at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs; Professor and Dean at Riga Stradiņš University.

The public discussion is organized within the framework of the annual Riga Dialogue 2020 conference. The project aims to promote and discuss mutually beneficial and converging visions of the Euro-Atlantic security order. Relations between the Western countries and Russia since 2014 remain complicated. Uncertainty about Russia's policies, assertive rhetoric, and elements of a mutual arms race in the region have been causing concern on both sides. The geopolitical balancing that is currently taking place is a challenging issue for the major players and small countries that are geopolitical pivot points, especially the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea countries. Dialogue is essential for limiting uncertainty and understanding each other's fears and interests. Seating all sides around the same table increase familiarity and decreases distrust. 

The political crisis in Belarus that erupted following the August 9 presidential election continues to evolve unpredictably, posing a daunting challenge for Russia. What can be further development scenarios? What impact will this have on Russia-West relations? Those and other issues will be discussed on the public panel, September 10, 2020. 

The event is free of charge and will take place in English. The number of seats at the event will be limited! LIIA recalls, please register responsibly, do not attend an event if you feel unwell or have any of the symptoms of COVID-19. A video broadcast of the event will be available.

The Latvian Institute of International Affairs carries out the project in cooperation with Nuclear Threat Initiative, European Leadership Network, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, and Russian International Affairs Council. Informative supporters of the event news portal Delfi.lv 

Published 04 September 2020