Conflicts Between Russia and the Republic of Belarus in the Oil and Gas Sector in the Context of Political Integration Processes in the Eurasian Space

The article examines the conflicts between Russia and the Republic of Belarus in the oil and gas sector, presents their background, dynamics and consequences (2004-2019). The authors examine the historical, political and economic relations between the two states. The analysis of some treaties contributing to the development of integration of Russia and Belarus in the Eurasian space is carried out. Against the background of unfolding integration, conflict tensions are growing in relations between the two states in the economic and political sphere. The article presents the true interests, motives and strategy of behavior of Russia and the Republic of Belarus in the oil and gas conflict. Based on the full identification of the interests and motives of the two parties, the authors propose an alternative way to resolve this conflict. When studying the specifics of conflict relations between Russia and the Republic of Belarus, the authors used the systemic and institutional approaches, the case study method. Particular attention is paid to the specifics and nature of the course of conflicts. It is emphasized that the core of this conflict between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus is based on the economic problems of bilateral relations between Russia and Belarus in the field of oil and gas supplies. The purpose of the study is to determine an alternative way of resolving the conflict between Russia and the Republic of Belarus, based on the full identification of the interests and motives of the parties. Against the backdrop of unfolding integration, conflict tensions are growing in relations between the two states, not only in the economic but also in the political sphere. The article describes the true interests, motives and strategy of behavior of Russia and the Republic of Belarus in this conflict. Russia’s interests boil down to obtaining a high cost for the production and export of oil, to deepening the integration of the EAEU member states. The Republic of Belarus is interested in raising prices for oil and gas transit through its territory, as well as in developing a multilateral foreign policy, not limited only to cooperation with Russia and the EAEU countries. The lack of results of long-term bilateral negotiations on this issue shows the need to find alternative options for its resolution. The authors see the solution to the problem in mediation. The involvement of qualified conflict experts, professional mediators, lawyers will help not only to reduce the dissatisfaction of the conflicting parties, but also to develop a plan of joint actions.

Eurasian space, integration, integration processes, the Eurasian Economic Union, Russia, the Republic of Belarus, Belarus, conflicts in the oil and gas sector