Belarus’s Foreign Policy Priorities and the Decision-Making Process

Abstract

The case of Belarus's foreign policy formulation is similar to that of some other newly independent states (NIS). New advisory positions on international and national security affairs were introduced. A new body, the Security Council of the Republic of Belarus (SCRB), was formed in November 1991to deal with issues of national security. Strategic logics being espoused in the domestic debate on Belarus's prospective foreign political strategy. The Belarusian Social-Democratic Party has voiced support for a midpoint somewhere between complete separation from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and membership in the Baltic Black Sea Association (BBSA). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is charged with the practical organization and implementation of both domestic laws and regulations and instructions pertaining to foreign political activities and international arrangements. Along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and some other agencies, the State Security Committee (KGB) retains an important role in providing analysis for foreign policy decision making.