lukashenko

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a leader of the democratic opposition of Belarus, is seen here in Krakow, Poland, in 2022.

Belarus’s exiled opposition leader wants to “remind” Americans of something important

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko has been in power for more than 30 years and just won another election widely regarded as rigged. Why are the streets of Minsk quiet? Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who continues to advocate for democracy and increased Western pressure on the Belarusian regime from Lithuania, talked to GZERO’s Alex Kliment about the road ahead.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko take part in a signing ceremony following a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus in Minsk, Belarus, on Dec. 6, 2024.

Viewpoint: With Putin’s protection, is Lukashenko’s reelection in Belarus a foregone conclusion?

Ahead of Sunday’s election in Belarus, there is little doubt that Alexander Lukashenko, Europe’s longest-serving leader, will win a new term in office. After the protests that erupted following the 2020 elections, threatening his grip on power for the first time, a government crackdown supported by Russia has eliminated any opposition to the president. We sat down with Eurasia Group expert Alex Brideau to learn more about the upcoming election.

Prigozhin's exit shakes Putin's regime

Prigozhin's exit shakes Putin's regime

Ian Bremmer's Quick Take: We have just gotten through an unprecedented turn of events challenging President Putin in a way that he has not since he's taken power in that country. Mr. Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, essentially declaring war against the Kremlin, moving his forces to within dozens of kilometers of Moscow. And then, at the last moment, "cutting a deal" brokered by Belarus's President Aleksandr Lukashenko. He is today still, to the best of our knowledge, a free man. But for how long?

China-US tensions over COVID origins & Russia's war

China-US tensions over COVID origins & Russia's war

Ian Bremmer's Quick Take: I want to talk about all things China right now, there is so much at stake and at play. A few different points. First of all, the Wall Street Journal had a report that the Department of Energy says that they believe that COVID initially originated from this lab, this Institute of Virology in Wuhan. They now join along with the FBI in having that view. The Chinese are still not allowing the WHO or others to investigate appropriately the origins.

Photo composite of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping

What We’re Watching: China’s budding diplomacy, Biden’s border control, Russia’s big plans

What’s next for Russia & China?; Biden’s tough new move on immigration; Russia looks beyond Ukraine?

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Podcast

Podcast: Fighting for democracy in "Europe's last dictatorship"

Listen: Is there a path to democracy for Europe's last dictatorship, Belarus? Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discusses her hopes and fears for the country with Ian Bremmer on the GZERO World Podcast.

Life under dictatorship in Belarus

GZERO World Clips

Life under dictatorship in Belarus

What should you put in your bag before leaving home in Belarus nowadays if you openly criticize the government? Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya recommends packing an extra pair of pants and socks in case you get kidnapped or thrown in jail because under strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, you "feel that you don't have rights at all."
Her conversation with Ian Bremmer is part of an interview on the upcoming episode of GZERO World, which begins airing on US public television Friday, June 11. Check local listings.