On February 26, 2026, the International Institute for Peace, Dialogbüro Vienna, and the IDM Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa/Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe jointly hosted a discussion on the evolving geopolitical role of Belarus. The event coincided with the presentation of the newly published Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Belarus, which provides a thorough overview of the country’s history, politics, and international relations.

The discussion focused on the profound geopolitical shifts affecting Belarus, particularly following the 2020 pro-democracy protests and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These events have accelerated Belarus’s integration into Russia’s orbit, while also drawing increased attention from global powers like China and further isolating the country from Europe and the West.

The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Belarus served as a starting point for deeper analysis, raising key questions such as whether the regime should be reclassified as (neo)totalitarian, the opportunities for civil society under current circumstances, the impact of sanctions and migration issues, and possible future scenarios for 2026. The event also touched on recent developments, including the release and deportation of prominent political prisoners in exchange for the lifting of certain sanctions.