“Since 2020, for the right or wrong reasons Belarus seems to have firmly entered an academic spotlight, with many monographs emerging to cover various aspects of its recent history, culture, politics, and civic activism. What makes this manuscript stand out is its focus on Belarus’ relations with Russia, in times of a deepening political crisis in both states. It offers a highly discernible account of the very complex and entangled relations between the two countries, in the context of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, and Belarus’ increasing dependence - of ‘its own making’ – from Russia. It does so from an economic, identity-building, media, defence, and foreign policy perspectives, also drawing on public opinion and reflections of change which are a rare and invaluable insight into the country, whose borders are now shut for the international community. The book also benefits from the contributions of young scholars, whose life trajectories are intimately linked to, and interwoven with the destiny of their country. A highly recommended read!”

Prof Elena Korosteleva, Co-Founder of Oxford Belarus Observatory and IGSD Director, University of Warwick