ABSTRACT
In the post-cold war environment the sizable Belarus defense structure could serve no realistic purpose, while economically it was an unbearable burden on the republic. Belarus’ highly contaminated environment is also a factor. This vision of the main challenge to national security as coming from domestic troubles, rather than from outside the country, puts planning for non-military policy implementation at the forefront of the government’s agenda. The Belarus military doctrine emphasizes political, diplomatic, and economic measures to defend the republic’s sovereignty and national interests. Politicians and the military have supported Belarus joining the Commonwealth of Independent States Collective Security agreement, and have increasingly formalized security ties with Russia. The most important cause of tension within the military is the announced change of the official language of the army to the Belarus language. Belarus has taken over one of the most advanced parts of the Soviet military machine.
