Exactly one year ago, on 26 January, Belarus held the presidential election. Foreign analysts described it as a “turning point in Belarus's political life”, and our electoral campaign was ranked among Europe’ top key events for 2025. This attention to the Belarusian election is no coincidence. Even at that time, expert community understood that the world had entered a period of global transformation and uncertainty, and that the future of nations would largely depend on the political experience of their leaders, their ability to navigate a rapidly changing world, demonstrate flexibility and resilience, and make strategic decisions. In this regard, Belarus holds a special position. After all, our country finds itself on the geopolitical fault line, and decisions made in Minsk influence not only the future of Belarus but the entire European region.
The assertion that the world has entered a period of chaos and turbulence has been repeatedly echoed in Minsk as well. But what should Belarus do in this context? How can it protect itself, safeguard its people, and navigate carefully through the geopolitical storm?
During the inauguration ceremony in March 2025, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko stated: “We are looking beyond the horizon. We are doing everything so that our children and grandchildren, and later their children and grandchildren, can live in their own peaceful and prosperous state, on their own land. In the next five years, we must amass such strength that its momentum will carry us far into the future. The time has chosen us for precisely this!”
However, challenging times demand maximum concentration. Therefore, throughout the past year, the Belarusian leader repeatedly urged both the government and society to rally together, mobilize, and give maximum effort - everyone in their own place. “The time has chosen us. And this is a time for concrete actions,” the head of state said.
Belarus is now being evaluated, its capabilities and prospects assessed, based on concrete actions. Earlier, BelTA кrepeatedly introduced its readers to evaluations from foreign analytical centers. Last week, another interesting study was released: “Belarus in focus: Achievements of 2025 and the vision for 2026 growth”. The analytical review was prepared by the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES, Slovenia). Today, we will explore the conclusions and forecasts of IFIMES experts.
Political stability is the key to economic success
A year ago, the Slovenian institute already published an extensive analysis dedicated to the presidential election in Belarus. At that time, experts highlighted the high level of economic resilience of our country and its ability to adapt under the pressure of Western sanctions.
The policy pursued by Minsk was described by IFIMES as “the art of balancing relations between East and West.” At the same time, experts emphasized the importance of the Belarusian government’s ability to maintain peace during the most difficult times and protect the country from the fate of neighboring Ukraine.
Now we have the opportunity to compare previous assessments and conclusions with those made by the international institute one year on.
The first point that experts highlight in their new study is the impact of the 2025 presidential election on Belarus’ future economic development. Specifically, IFIMES notes that the consistency and predictability of the policy pursued by Minsk are attracting foreign investors.
The assertion that the world has entered a period of chaos and turbulence has been repeatedly echoed in Minsk as well. But what should Belarus do in this context? How can it protect itself, safeguard its people, and navigate carefully through the geopolitical storm?
During the inauguration ceremony in March 2025, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko stated: “We are looking beyond the horizon. We are doing everything so that our children and grandchildren, and later their children and grandchildren, can live in their own peaceful and prosperous state, on their own land. In the next five years, we must amass such strength that its momentum will carry us far into the future. The time has chosen us for precisely this!”
However, challenging times demand maximum concentration. Therefore, throughout the past year, the Belarusian leader repeatedly urged both the government and society to rally together, mobilize, and give maximum effort - everyone in their own place. “The time has chosen us. And this is a time for concrete actions,” the head of state said.
Belarus is now being evaluated, its capabilities and prospects assessed, based on concrete actions. Earlier, BelTA кrepeatedly introduced its readers to evaluations from foreign analytical centers. Last week, another interesting study was released: “Belarus in focus: Achievements of 2025 and the vision for 2026 growth”. The analytical review was prepared by the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES, Slovenia). Today, we will explore the conclusions and forecasts of IFIMES experts.
Political stability is the key to economic success
A year ago, the Slovenian institute already published an extensive analysis dedicated to the presidential election in Belarus. At that time, experts highlighted the high level of economic resilience of our country and its ability to adapt under the pressure of Western sanctions.
The policy pursued by Minsk was described by IFIMES as “the art of balancing relations between East and West.” At the same time, experts emphasized the importance of the Belarusian government’s ability to maintain peace during the most difficult times and protect the country from the fate of neighboring Ukraine.
Now we have the opportunity to compare previous assessments and conclusions with those made by the international institute one year on.
The first point that experts highlight in their new study is the impact of the 2025 presidential election on Belarus’ future economic development. Specifically, IFIMES notes that the consistency and predictability of the policy pursued by Minsk are attracting foreign investors.
“The re-election of Aleksandr Lukashenko in January 2025 has ensured sustained political stability and the continuity of state governance. This framework fosters a predictable and secure environment for long-term strategic planning and both domestic and foreign investment, allowing government bodies to consistently execute development and economic policies,” IFIMES notes.
The consistency of the economic course has been evident not only in investment policy. In 2025, Belarus continued efforts to strengthen its export potential and technological self-sufficiency, while increasing the resilience of the national economy to external shocks.
“The long-term development strategy envisages increased production, export diversification, and strengthened competitiveness on both regional and global stages. This policy is based on a combination of political stability, functional institutions, and a pragmatic foreign policy strategy, creating a sustainable basis for the nation’s economic growth and international influence,” IFIMES emphasizes.
The institute’s experts also highlight the work of the Belarusian authorities in the domestic political sphere. “The balance between internal flexibility and firm governance has secured the integrity of core state institutions and ensured institutional resilience during crisis situations,” analysts believe.
Regarding Belarus’ external engagement, IFIMES points above all to the dialogue between Minsk and Washington, which led to the lifting of certain sanctions against Belarus. “This move illustrates Minsk's ability to effectively link political flexibility with economic interests and international dialogue, without compromising domestic stability,” the study states.
Belarus-USA pragmatic dialogue
In analyzing the renewed contacts between Belarus and the United States, IFIMES experts focus in greater detail, again through the prism of economic benefits for the Belarusian side.
“In 2025, Belarus established a constructive and strategically vital dialogue with the United States, ushering in a new chapter of bilateral relations and confirming the nation’s status as a stable and predictable partner,” the study notes.
At the same time, IFIMES believes that dialogue between the two countries serves as an additional incentive for foreign investors considering Belarus. “This step sent a clear signal to international investors that Belarus provides a stable framework for business and long-term strategic investment,” the experts state.
IFIMES highlights that the approach of Donald Trump’s administration toward Belarus is focused on tangible results and overcoming traditional stereotypes. This creates space for constructive cooperation in political, economic, and security domains.
“The engagement with the United States, especially under the Donald Trump administration, represents a geopolitical breakthrough, validating Belarus’ strategic importance,” the review states. IFIMES experts believe that the United States needs to cooperate with such key countries as Belarus, Türkiye, Pakistan, India, and the UAE in order to maintain its global influence.
The experts also draw attention to Minsk’s pragmatic approach in building foreign policy relations. “This pragmatic approach reflects Belarus' capacity to balance between traditional allies, such as Russia and China, and new global actors, notably the United States. At the same time, there is a marked contrast with the approach of the European Union, which has exhibited rigidity and a sluggish pace of adjustment. Such a diplomatic strategy increases Belarus’ attractiveness for foreign investment and international cooperation, as partners recognize the political stability, strategic continuity, and President Lukashenko’s leadership in safeguarding security and economic prosperity,” the experts note.
Global South, global prospects
Experts at IFIMES study Minsk’s strategy regarding the countries of the Global South. They conclude that throughout 2025, Belarus significantly strengthened its economic and diplomatic ties with key Middle Eastern states, primarily the UAE and Oman. These efforts have opened new opportunities for investment, technology exchange, and regional interaction.
“Trade relations with the UAE and Oman encompass food sectors, industrial hardware, agricultural machinery, transport vehicles, and smart technologies. Various agreements and memoranda enable joint production, simplified trade exchange, and improved entry into Middle Eastern markets, creating a synergy that opens new business prospects and access to advanced technologies,” the study states.
The experts conclude that today, Belarus can position itself as a link in economy and technology between Eurasia and the Middle East. In parallel, Minsk is strengthening its influence in a multipolar world.
In 2025, Belarus also significantly expanded cooperation with African nations. Belarus is involved in modernizing the agricultural sector, industry, and transport in African countries, securing a long-term economic presence on the continent. “This approach demonstrates a strategic focus on agricultural diplomacy as a means to strengthen bilateral relations and penetrate emerging African markets,” IFIMES notes.
According to the experts, this so-called agricultural diplomacy helps strengthen food security in African countries, enhances Belarus’ economic and political ties with Africa, and paves the way for joint infrastructure and industrial projects. “Simultaneously, it confirms Belarus’ reputation as a reliable, pragmatic, and long-term partner committed to multipolar and mutual development,” the institute points out.
Another area of Belarus’ foreign policy activity that IFIMES highlights is Minsk’s work within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). According to analysts, participation in this organization allows Belarus to integrate more deeply into Eurasian economic and political flows, facilitates technology transfer, the development of industrial partnerships, and coordination in such important areas as security, energy, and logistics. “The SCO serves as a strategic platform for Minsk’s long-term positioning in a multipolar international order, shielded from Western political and economic restrictions,” the study says.
Of particular importance for Belarus is the strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China. According to IFIMES analysts, strengthening of relations between the two countries is also facilitated by personal contacts between the heads of state – Aleksandr Lukashenko and Xi Jinping. One of the most ambitious projects between the two countries is the China-Belarus industrial park Great Stone, which is becoming a regional hub for high-tech industries, logistics, electronics, pharmaceutics, and mechanical engineering.
Global South, global prospects
Experts at IFIMES study Minsk’s strategy regarding the countries of the Global South. They conclude that throughout 2025, Belarus significantly strengthened its economic and diplomatic ties with key Middle Eastern states, primarily the UAE and Oman. These efforts have opened new opportunities for investment, technology exchange, and regional interaction.
“Trade relations with the UAE and Oman encompass food sectors, industrial hardware, agricultural machinery, transport vehicles, and smart technologies. Various agreements and memoranda enable joint production, simplified trade exchange, and improved entry into Middle Eastern markets, creating a synergy that opens new business prospects and access to advanced technologies,” the study states.
The experts conclude that today, Belarus can position itself as a link in economy and technology between Eurasia and the Middle East. In parallel, Minsk is strengthening its influence in a multipolar world.
In 2025, Belarus also significantly expanded cooperation with African nations. Belarus is involved in modernizing the agricultural sector, industry, and transport in African countries, securing a long-term economic presence on the continent. “This approach demonstrates a strategic focus on agricultural diplomacy as a means to strengthen bilateral relations and penetrate emerging African markets,” IFIMES notes.
According to the experts, this so-called agricultural diplomacy helps strengthen food security in African countries, enhances Belarus’ economic and political ties with Africa, and paves the way for joint infrastructure and industrial projects. “Simultaneously, it confirms Belarus’ reputation as a reliable, pragmatic, and long-term partner committed to multipolar and mutual development,” the institute points out.
Another area of Belarus’ foreign policy activity that IFIMES highlights is Minsk’s work within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). According to analysts, participation in this organization allows Belarus to integrate more deeply into Eurasian economic and political flows, facilitates technology transfer, the development of industrial partnerships, and coordination in such important areas as security, energy, and logistics. “The SCO serves as a strategic platform for Minsk’s long-term positioning in a multipolar international order, shielded from Western political and economic restrictions,” the study says.
Of particular importance for Belarus is the strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China. According to IFIMES analysts, strengthening of relations between the two countries is also facilitated by personal contacts between the heads of state – Aleksandr Lukashenko and Xi Jinping. One of the most ambitious projects between the two countries is the China-Belarus industrial park Great Stone, which is becoming a regional hub for high-tech industries, logistics, electronics, pharmaceutics, and mechanical engineering.
“Belarus is thus positioned as a dependable regional and global partner, adept at balancing diverse power centers and anchoring its strategy in the principles of sovereignty, pragmatism, and sustained development,” the experts conclude.
2026 – a time of new opportunities
By the end of 2025 Belarus had achieved a significant political and economic breakthrough, confirming its status as a stable and reliable international partner. “2025 confirmed that under the leadership of Aleksandr Lukashenko Belarus achieves significant results in economy, industry, agriculture, and infrastructure development. At the same time, the country’s active and focused policy further strengthens its international prestige and position in a multipolar world, opening new channels for investment and the formation of strategic alliances,” IFIMES analysts note.
On the whole, 2025 allowed Belarus to implement key infrastructure projects, industrial projects, and technological projects, laying a solid foundation for long-term growth. At the same time Belarus expanded its diplomatic ties by deepening cooperation with the USA, China, Middle East countries, Shanghai Cooperation Organization members, and by entering strategically important African markets. “This combination of domestic reforms and outward expansion allowed Belarus to consolidate its international influence, unlock new avenues for trade, investment, and technology transfer, and enhance its strategic position in global flows,” the study says.
As it enters 2026, Belarus continues its ambitious policy aimed at industrial development, export growth, and strengthening its global influence, analysts believe.
Experts also note that Belarus is located on a key axis connecting the European Union with Russia and the Eurasian region as a whole. It makes Belarus a vital center for logistics and international trade. “The modernization of transport corridors, alongside the development of industrial zones and technological centers, reaffirms its [Belarus’] capacity to meet contemporary market demands and attract substantial international investment while simultaneously strengthening the country’s economic and diplomatic standing,” the review says.
At the same time, IFIMES believes that Belarus could become an important stabilizing factor for neighboring Ukraine politically and militarily as well as in the country’s post-war reconstruction. “Its geopolitical position allows it to contribute to a stable regional architecture encompassing the Baltic and Central Europe,” the experts believe. “Building on its accomplishments, Belarus is proving to be an increasingly prominent actor in regional and global affairs.”
Modern Belarus is a country capable of balancing regional and global interests, ensuring its internal stability and unity, and laying the foundation for long-term development in the new multipolar world. “Under the long-standing leadership of President Aleksandr Lukashenko, which ensures continuity and strategic consistency, the nation is actively forging a future in which the preservation of past achievements goes hand in hand with the opening of new opportunities,” the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies concludes.
By BelTA's Vita Khanatayeva
Follow us on:
