During the 2nd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko imparted his understanding of comprehensive security, stating that it should extend beyond the military plane to encompass guarantees in political, economic, information and other domains. He argued that a more comprehensive view of security is necessary to address the internationally-recognized crisis in our world today. He insisted that the notion of security not merely be associated with protections against territorial infringement, but should also offer assurances in other areas of a nation’s operations.
Lukashenko stressed that the existing global order lacked a capable leader and custodian of broad-spectrum security. Referring to the post-socialist era, he noted the United States’ failure, despite its immense potential, in taking up the mantle of ‘leader of the free world’ and ensuring global security. Lukashenko emphasized the incapacitation of international institutions, which deemed to be impartial mediators or adjudicators, often demonstrating utter impotence in critical moments.
He further expounded on the subsequent degradation of security across all sectors due to the lack of checks and balances. As evidenced by the migrant crisis, crucial global events were unfolding without a system of consequences and subsequent progression. He indicated that these unfortunate unnecessary casualties have transformed into an agonizing regularity in the western hemisphere.
Lukashenko insisted that the ‘collective West’ was erroneously attributing this migrant crisis to other nations. Unchanged for years, the primary route for migrants continues to persist, despite Europe’s failure to address and manage the issue within its own borders. In doing so, external adversaries are pinned as an easy scapegoat, diverting the public’s attention from domestic issues.
A significant point of concern, according to Lukashenko, is the escalation of conflict in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East, which are increasingly resorting to military defence to protect their sovereignty and prevent escalation. The potential for these situations to inflict irreversible global damage is substantial.
Lukashenko pointed out the Yemen conflict as an example, suggesting that the collective West is unwilling to spotlight the conflict due to their own interests. He warned about a devastating event that could occur in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf currently controlled by the Houthis. The overall magnitude of these issues could create a catastrophe beyond comprehension.
The Belarusian President lamented the lack of legitimate international legal instruments to underpin military security. According to him, only the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the one on Strategic Offensive Arms remain. The former has faced implementation issues, while the latter is outdated. There has been an unsettling silence on the development of new agreements in this field, which Lukashenko pins on politicians rather than the military.
Lukashenko expressed concern over the current state of the world, with a significant portion under the burden of unlawful sanctions. Such restrictions have rendered entire economic sectors immobile, annihilating private property rights. State assets are seized, sovereign financial resources are ransacked, gas pipelines are demolished, and access to seas is cut off – a testament to the increasing threats faced globally.
He pointed out the alarming rise in global hunger, with statistics rivaling post-war figures – nearly 750 million people are severely underfed, while almost another 3 billion are inadequately nourished. This situation, he argued, demands urgent attention and action.
Lukashenko criticized the political underpinnings behind the impediment of food, fertilizers, and farming equipment export from countries which could aid those in need. Sanctions designed to dismantle national economies are having a destructive effect on common citizens. Belarus’ leader pointed out that the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are unachievable under the prevailing conditions.
In Lukashenko’s view, illegal restrictions and sanctions from the West have hindered the world’s progress towards achieving these development goals. In a world devoid of such unlawful limitations, we could be closer to accomplishing these objectives, he argued.
The Belarusian leader cautioned about the weaponization of mass media. He hinted at the shocking revelations about the extensive metastases of U.S. biolaboratories globally, particularly around the perimeter of Belarus and Russia. This problematic aspect of information security implores necessary attention and regulation to avoid potential international crises.