Belarus Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Belarus's rule of law was -1.48 in 2025, ranked 187th globally. This represents a 17.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Belarus's rule of law stood at -1.48 in 2025, a decline of +0.22 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.48 by 2025. Belarus ranked 187th globally.
Belarus’ Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has slipped steadily over the 26‑year series, moving from –0.80 in 1996 to a trough of –1.48 in 2025, the lowest value recorded and placing the country 187th in the global ranking. The modest improvement seen in 2016, when the index reached a peak of –0.77, was quickly erased by a persistent decline that accelerated after 2018, reflecting growing concerns about judicial independence, enforcement of contracts and protection of fundamental rights. By contrast, the Russian Federation, a regional peer, posted a slightly better –1.46 in the same year, while lower‑ranked neighbours such as Guinea‑Bissau and Turkmenistan recorded –1.54 and –1.55 respectively. The downward trajectory suggests that without substantive reforms to strengthen institutional checks, enhance transparency and curb political interference in the courts, Belarus is likely to remain at the bottom of the Rule of Law rankings in the near future.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.57 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.48 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.48 | −0.22 | #187 |
| 2023 | -1.25 | −0.03 | #180 |
| 2022 | -1.22 | −0.10 | #179 |
| 2021 | -1.12 | −0.04 | #178 |
| 2020 | -1.09 | −0.23 | #174 |
| 2019 | -0.86 | +0.03 | #160 |
| 2018 | -0.89 | −0.01 | #164 |
| 2017 | -0.88 | −0.11 | #163 |
| 2016 | -0.77 | +0.11 | #153 |
| 2015 | -0.88 | −0.06 | #164 |
| 2014 | -0.82 | +0.07 | #158 |
| 2013 | -0.88 | +0.04 | #162 |
| 2012 | -0.92 | +0.19 | #163 |
| 2011 | -1.11 | −0.04 | #176 |
| 2010 | -1.07 | −0.05 | #173 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belarus matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belarus's rule of law was -1.48 in 2025. Ranked 187th globally. This represents a 17.9% decrease from the previous year.
Belarus's rule of law peaked at -0.77 in 2016.
The lowest rule of law in Belarus was -1.48 in 2025.
Belarus ranks 187th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Belarus's rule of law is projected to reach -1.48 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Belarus in 2025 was -1.48. This ranks 187th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belarus_rule-of-law,
title = {Belarus Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belarus/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}