Discussants

• Oleg Kravchenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Belarus
• Jorgan Andrews, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia, U.S. Department of State

Moderator

• Jonathan D. Katz, Senior Fellow, The German Marshall Fund of the United States

Over the last 25 years, U.S.-Belarus relations have faced significant challenges. There are several political, economic, security, and geostrategic factors that have contributed to the fluctuating state of the bilateral relationship. A few high-level and difficult issues, including democracy and human rights, still play a major role in shaping relations and policy directions. 

In 2018, there are new factors impacting U.S.–Belarus relations and engagement, including Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine, and that of Belarus with its neighbors to the East and West. Despite significant challenges in Eastern Europe, including in Belarus’ neighborhood, U.S.–Belarus engagement has been on a low risk, low engagement and low intensity track. Given the landscape and interests of both the United States and Belarus what does the future of their relationship look like in an increasingly complicated regional and international milieu. Are there new opportunities for engagement between the two countries and in what sectors?  Is there any expectation that U.S.-Belarus relations will improve, remain static, or backslide? Finally, what issues are currently driving the relationship from security to trade to democracy and human rights?

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is pleased to invite you to an off-the-record roundtable discussion with Oleg Kravchenko, Belarus deputy minister of foreign affairs, and Jorgan Andrews, acting deputy assistant secretary for Europe and Eurasia at the U.S. Department of State. Topics of discussion will be focused on the current state and future of U.S.–Belarus relations.

Register to attend »