Belarusian Identity in 2023

In collaboration with independent sociologists Philipp Bikanau and Konstantin Nesterovich, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has published its yearly study "Belarusian Identity in 2023."

Recent years have witnessed a cascade of pivotal events in Belarus, reshaping the lives and perceptions of its people. The political turbulence that emerged in 2020 continues to exert a profound impact on the nation's current landscape. This is further compounded by the reverberations of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a conflict that has starkly divided Belarusian society. These events unfold against the backdrop of shifting global geopolitics, casting shadows and uncertainties on the country's future trajectory.

In the midst of this multifaceted milieu, Belarusian society finds itself traversing diverse mindsets, with national identity emerging as a pivotal and deeply influential factor. For many individuals, this sense of identity serves as the prism through which they interpret not only ongoing events but also envision the future landscape of Belarus.

The study of national identity, in this context, not only offers insights into the current societal state but also acts as a compass for forecasting what lies ahead.

Addressing a series of fundamental queries, the publication delves into critical aspects of Belarusian national consciousness:

• Defining Modern Belarusian National Consciousness: The study probes the defining characteristics of contemporary Belarusian national consciousness and delineates its key features.
• Variations in Different Social Groups: It explores the diverse forms and adaptations of national consciousness across various social strata within Belarusian society.
• Linkages to Socio-Political Confrontations: The study elucidates the intricate connections between national consciousness and the ongoing socio-political confrontations within Belarusian society.
• Role of Foreign Policy Preferences: It investigates the role played by Belarusians' foreign policy inclinations in shaping their national consciousness.

The comprehensive insights garnered from this study not only unravel the nuanced layers of Belarusian identity but also pave the way for a deeper understanding of societal dynamics and potential trajectories.

For readers seeking a more in-depth exploration, the complete publication can be accessed:

English version: https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/belarus/20889.pdf
Russian version: https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/belarus/20849.pdf