The Role of Small States in the Post-cold War Era: The Case of Belarus (Enlarged Edition)

The United States is not the only global center as it was in the first years of post-Cold War era. Nor are there just two superpowers-the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics-that define the course of global events. The new multipolarity implies the presence of several centers of power that will provide the opportunity for small states such as Belorussia to move from one center of power to the other and/or engage in sort of geopolitical "menage de troix." During the last 10 years or so, Belorussia moved from Russia to the European Union and back, while at the same time engaging in relationships with Iran and China. While relationships with Russia and the European Union have not been stable, the story is different with China and Iran. Belorussia has always maintained a good relationship with both countries, especially with China. This demonstrates the increasing role of Asia in geopolitical arrangements now and in the future.