Insight

Three political hotspots in the post-Soviet space

Three political hotspots in the post-Soviet space

Yury Panasik

Yury Panasik

November 16, 2020 07:27 AM

Over recent months, three significant trouble spots have emerged in the post-Soviet space. In Belarus, the political crisis prompted by the disputed Presidential elections has continued for more than two months; in Nagorno-Karabakh, an unprecedented military escalation between Armenia and Azerbaijan started in late September and in Kyrgyzstan, the protests after the Parliamentary elections resulted in a quick power transfer in early October.

Larger regional players are involved to some extent in all three conflicts – primarily Russia, which is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) along with Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, but also Turkey, which has openly declared its support for Azerbaijan in the enduring conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

All three crises pose significant risks to investors, from the physical safety of assets and business facilities and the maintenance of financial transactions (Kyrgyzstan, Armenia) to the delayed launch of new projects and wider reputational risk if seen to be taking one side of a sensitive conflict over another.

While all three crises differ vastly in their nature, they all seem likely to endure in the near future and will determine the risks for businesses in the respective countries in the long run. At the same time, there is no universal recipe for corporate sectors directly or indirectly impacted, meaning the role of the public policy function becomes even more critical, both in gauging the scale of and mitigating against the crises, as well as forging a long-term development path in the respective markets.

Given three of the five members of the Eurasian Economic Union are involved, the crises will also have an impact on the Eurasian economic integration. Certainly, all three countries will reduce their activities in the EAEU governing bodies, being engulfed by their domestic political agendas. This will result in delays to the ongoing working processes in the EAEU and especially to internal governmental procedures discussing and approving the supranational level documents.

Please follow these links for our English and Russian language analysis of what the developments in these countries could mean for businesses and our recommendations on what actions may be taken in the face of these crises.

For further consultations contact us via e-mail
russia@kesarev.com

Related Articles

Q&A with Konstantin Mikhel at Vlasova Mikhel & Partners


by Best Lawyers

A Q&A with Konstantin Mikhel of Vlasova Mikhel & Partners about his experiences and the legal field in Belarus.

Konstantin Mikhel

Trending Articles

The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers proudly announces lawyers recognized in South Africa for 2023.

South African flag

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Best Lawyers Voting Is Now Open


by Best Lawyers

Voting has begun in several countries across the globe, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. Below we offer dates, details and answers to voting-related questions to assist with the voting process.

Hands holding smartphone with five stars above phone

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers and firms from Australia.

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2023

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in Canada Honorees


by Best Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in Canada™ is entering its 17th edition for 2023. We highlight the elite lawyers awarded this year.

Red map of Canada with white lines and dots

Famous Songs Unprotected by Copyright Could Mean Royalties for Some


by Michael B. Fein

A guide to navigating copyright claims on famous songs.

Can I Sing "Happy Birthday" in Public?

Could Reign Supreme End with the Queen?


by Sara Collin

Canada is revisiting the notion of abolishing the monarchy after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, but many Canadians and lawmakers are questioning if Canada could, should and would follow through.

Teacup on saucer over image of Queen's eye

Rising Transfer Taxes


by Angus C. Beverly

Transfer taxes in California are becoming a statewide trend with potentially national implications. Here is a breakdown of the effects in several cities.

State of California in orange with city in backdrop

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

Caffeine Overload and DUI Tests


by Daniel Taylor

While it might come as a surprise, the over-consumption of caffeine could trigger a false positive on a breathalyzer test.

Can Caffeine Cause You to Fail DUI Test?

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Best Law Firms® Research Has Begun


by Best Lawyers

Best Law Firms® rankings are annually produced awards recognizing the top law firms across the United States. We are here to offer insight into the submission process for all eligible firms.

Black background with colorful squares and faces

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

Thirteen Years of Excellence


by Best Lawyers

For the 13th consecutive year, “Best Law Firms” has awarded the most elite and talented law firms across the country through a thorough and trusted data review process.

Red, white and blue pipes and writing on black background