POST-SOVIET BYELARUS AND THE LUKASHENKO R EGIME

This article aims to tell the story of post-Soviet Belarus, and discus ses major trends in the republic's political life. Particular emphasis is put on the relationship with Russia, and on the character of the L ukashenko regime. It is concluded that during his two years in power, President Aleksandr Lukashenko has proved to be just as erratic as his 1994 election campaign suggested that he would. In his struggle to am ass powers in the hands of the executive, he has alienated parliament, the constitutional court, and most political parties. Lukashenko look s set to continue the pursuit of his ''double project'' - to power for himself, and simultaneously cede it to Russia.