Opinion: implementation of Belarus’ participation strategies in SCO and BRICS to protect from UN crisis
Belarus is preparing not only for some narrow block of co-operation in BRICS and SCO, but also for continuing work in other platforms in case of a crisis in the UN – as noted by political scientist Yuri Shevtsov, when commenting on the strategies of Belarus’ participation in SCO and BRICS, approved by the Head of State
“Judging by the content of each of the documents, humanitarian, economic, general political and security issues are highlighted everywhere,” Mr. Shevtsov emphasised. “Based on the attention paid to these topics, it seems that Belarus is preparing not only for some narrow block of co-operation in BRICS and SCO, but also to continue its work in other platforms in case of a UN crisis. If we compare the strategy of Belarus’ participation in BRICS, it actually duplicates all our activities in the UN. This means that we are preparing for a long period of instability in international relations, for the fact that the former mechanisms of co-operation (like the UN) may be weakened. Many in the world are already saying that BRICS has begun a transformation from an organisation focused only on economic and financial issues to a second UN. And our document reinforces these arguments. It is not yet known whether BRICS will become an alternative to the UN, but BRICS and SCO are already taking on some of the tasks that the UN cannot fulfil now. Therefore, Belarus will continue its international activity in the context of the growing international confrontation.”
The political analyst also noted that both documents are united by the seriousness of Belarus’ attitude towards SCO and BRICS, “The adoption of these strategies imposes an obligation on our state bodies to include BRICS and SCO–related areas in their work plan. The state apparatus has been given clear instructions on how to work on the implementation of our participation in these organisations. This is a necessary step for our participation in SCO and BRICS to be filled with real content. It is even more important than the act of ratifying any agreement. Moreover, our approach to these documents is so comprehensive that I am not sure if there is any other state that would take its participation in these organisations so seriously.”