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The End of the USSR- Setting the Stage
In 1991 the USSR, a communist empire of Eurasia, fell and split apart. From it emerged a smattering of nations new and old. Most prominently, the newly independent republic countries Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine joined together to create the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Unlike some other former Soviet satellite nations (such as the Balkan states), Belarus has been comparatively hesitant to abandon the hallmarks of Soviet Society. Some have come to refer to it as a “miniature Soviet Union” because of the path the nation has followed since 1991.
The Rise of Alexander Lukashenko
Just three years after the collapse of the USSR, Alexander Lukashenko (aka Alyaksandr Rhyhoravich Lukashenka) rose to power as a populist. He won in a landslide election against a communist candidate. Despite his initial political stance, he returned back to the doctrines of the communist state which Belarus had just escaped from, using oppressive tactics to quell any resistance or opposition.
A symbolic representation of Lukashenko’s desire to remain connected to the Soviet past is the flag of Belarus. Instead of using the white and red flag of independent Belarus, Lukashenko’s state opted to use the Soviet-era flag after he came to power.
Dangerous Misinformation
In 2018 Belarusian lawmakers enacted legislation that enabled them to press charges and suspend citizens who may or may not have propagated fake news on the internet. While at first glance this may not seem like the worst idea in the world, under the authoritarian grip of Lukashenko it was immediately seen by many as a dangerous tool. With it, the state could easily manipulate online information and cultural narratives.
Lukashenko’s government is not the only faction interested in manipulating the information sphere of Belarus. Many Russian journalists and propaganda-weavers have found their way into Belarus with Lukashenko’s approval. Recent studies have shown that a large portion of major Belarusian TV networks and programs are made by Russia. Additionally, many Belarusian newspapers contain subtle praise towards the Russian agenda while omitting any possible criticism. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has been criticized abroad for his authoritarian policies in much the same way that Lukashenko has.
More recently, the coronavirus pandemic has created fertile grounds for scapegoating and deflection. Unfounded accusations against the West and opposing Belarusian factions include the intentional spreading of coronavirus by American agents. One baffling explanation offered was that the so-called opposition would receive one dollar for every infected citizen.
These rumors have been coupled with well as backing up earlier accusations of preparing for genocide and a coup against the state. As per usual, Minsk reinforced Russian propaganda and the idea that invasive Western powers puppeteered by the United States are working to undermine Belarus.
Contradictorily, Lukashenko also attempted to dismiss the coronavirus as a minor inconvenience which could be deflected with regular treatments of vodka and sauna visits. Instead of implementing restrictions like most other countries, Lukashenko kept Belarus open and unmodified as COVID-19 ravaged the world. Paraphrasing Emiliano Zapata, the braggadocious President stated that it is: “Better to die standing than to live on your knees.”
And then Lukashenko actually caught COVID-19. The President, who recovered quickly, was able to turn this incident to yet another propaganda opportunity. He claimed that “97% of our people go through this illness without symptoms.” While COVID-19 studies vary depending on time and location, no credible studies have come close to matching this number of asymptomatic patients. Additionally, asymptomatic people are still very capable of passing on the virus to others who may not be as lucky.
Civil Unrest
In his recent election, (August 9th) Lukashenko won his sixth election in a row with a supposed 80% majority. The results of this election have been highly disputed, both domestically and abroad.
For months, prior to the election, Belarusian authorities were kept busy making mass arrests. Almost 200 political candidates, reporters, and peaceful activists were all imprisoned or fined.
Protests began immediately following the results of the election. Police used tear gas, water cannons, stun grenades, and rubber bullets against protestors, 6,700 of whom were detained. Many more were injured.
Massive protests have recently taken place in the capitol, right on the government's doorstep. Even though the protests drew approximately a hundred thousand people, the President is not about to back down.
Lukashenko responded by suiting up in body armor and stepping out of a helicopter armed with a rifle. He has been very dismissive of what he claims are a horde of “criminals” and “drug addicts.” However, the international community has Lukashenko in its crosshairs.
As a result of the seemingly fraudulent election, the European Union has placed sanctions on Belarus. Lukashenko initially shrugged off the sanctions but is showing signs of cracking under the increased pressure. He has acknowledged his regime as “somewhat authoritarian,” but continues to assert that the ends justify his means.
Activists from the neighboring countries of Poland and Ukraine have publicly shown their solidarity with Belarusian protesters through demonstrations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenkskiy initially showed mixed feelings towards the situation in Belarus. He stated that redoing the presidential election would be appropriate, but he would not intervene in foreign affairs. Just recently (August 28th) the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, announced that Ukraine would be joining the EU in their boycott.
As of right now, Belarus continues to become embroiled in civil unrest. Lukashenko refuses to give an inch, but protest has remained steady. Only time will tell how the situation in Belarus will unfold. We at Misbar will continue to track any new developments.
