Belarusian Identity. The Impact of Lukashenka’s Rule

The modern Belarusian nation emerged as a communist republic of the USSR rather than in the form of a sovereign democratic nation. This communist ideology has had a heavy impact on the formation of the identity of Belarusian people. Emergence of the Belarusian nation coincided with a massive influx of Russian culture and language.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a segment of the Belarusian national elite attempted to restore the ethno-national model of the state. However, when Aliaksandr Lukashenka became president in 1994, he flatly rejected this model and set Belarus on a different path.

Lukashenka retained much of the USSR’s legacy and proceeded with its russification policy, bolstered by Russia that has continuously supported his authoritarian regime politically and financially. Lukashenka’s regime has created a “state ideology”, a mix of Soviet and nationalist historical narratives, myths and symbols to legitimise itself. Meanwhile, the Belarusian language has almost disappeared from public institutions and mass communication.

As a result of this policy, a Russian-speaking Belarusian nation with rather weak national identity has formed. However, Belarusians see themselves as a separate nation not willing to become a part of Russia.

Civil society is a major stakeholder for Belarusianisation. Various types of civic activity such as formal organisations, grassroots meetings and spontaneous campaigns work towards developing both the Belarusian language and culture. The authorities usually tolerate cultural
activities carried out on the grassroots level and often even meet the demands of its citizens.

In terms of its geopolitical choice, Belarus remains a divided nation, with equal shares of proponents for a western path as there are for an eastern one. Most people understand the nation’s external relations very pragmatically and are ready to join an integration project,
which is suggestive of more economic benefits.