Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #377073 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 250 pages

Synopsis
The first serious study of Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus. This book exposes the reality behind the myth of 'Europe's last Dictatorship'.

Customer Reviews

At LAST AN OBJECTIVE LOOK AT BELARUS!
I strongly recommend that all "Westerners" read this book before judging Belarus based on the anti-Belarus propaganda of the United States and the European Union. The author, Stewart Parker, has no "axe to grind" and presents his material in an objective and unpretentious manner. Parker's narrative is very readable and he covers his subject matter with a flowing style that helps the reader glide from chapter to chapter.

I found his "matter of fact" approach, backed up by source information, to be quite enjoyable. Parker doesn't "beat you over the head." While the author does not side with Communism, he has an objective and well researched presentation of Byelorussian/Soviet history that is more realistic and balanced than the stereotypical drivel and propaganda coming from western propagandists/hacks who masquerade as writers.

Parker's coverage of President Lukashenko and the situation in Belarus after the dissolution of the Soviet Union is detailed and accurate. He reports on this in the main part of the book with the same objectivity, logic, and use of source materials as he does in the first one quarter of the book that is devoted to Belarus' history. His coverage of Belarus' social and economic system, human rights policies, international relations, etc. is meticulous and very well presented. The sections that expose and lay bare the United States' hypocrisy and double standards regarding Belarus are worth the price of the book!

I believe this is an excellent book and is MUST reading for anyone who desires to learn the truth about President Lukashenko and Belarus. It is certainly the most objective book that I've read on Belarus by a western author.

Insightful & Thorough
Well written, including an illuminating and concise history of Belarus from pre-1917 to the present day. This book gives a fuller perspective on the issues facing Belarus; the true nature of the state Lukashcenko has moulded; and insight into why the Belarussian people chose an alternative to hyper-inflation, corruption and oligarchy.
I really did find this a very easy to understand book on a subject that was at the time quite new to me. I found it a refreshingly honest look at the the ulterior motives which exist behind the headlines usually surrounding Belarus or its leader. Anyone interested in Chavez & Castro or modern left wing governments should be aware of Lukashenko's Belarus; in short, anyone with an even slightly political bone in their body should read this book!

Enlightening and refreshing.
This book is quite simply (as my title says) enlightening and refreshing!
The book meticulously covers the actual policies and ideas of Alexander Lukashenko, and places them within their international, and national contexts. The book is very rewarding in its close examination of the reason for the criticism of Belarus, and its President, and doesn't shy away from discussion of the more 'contraversial' areas.
Highly reccomended to not only those interested in Belarus, but also those studying political models,history, and international relations.