Exiled Belarusian Civil Society in the Context of War in Ukraine

• In Event: Belarusian Diaspora and Exiled Civil Society: Re-establishment, Old and New Divides

Abstract

Until the presidential election of 2020 and the mass protests after, Belarusian society was mainly characterized as apolitical, while an organized civil society was primarily seen as weak and marginalized. However, the political crisis of 2020 caused unexpected protest mass mobilization that resulted in the appearance of new diverse social movements and grassroots initiatives, and the activation of the previously existing institutionalized civil society. After the Belarusian protests were heavily suppressed by authorities and mass repression started in the country, the civil activists and initiatives had no choice but to adapt themselves to the worsening environment. Some left the country and continued their activities abroad; some decided to stay and perform smaller-scale underground activities on the ground. Nevertheless, Belarusian political and civic activists in exile were able to create physical and virtual platforms and spaces for the newly emerged pro-democratic Belarusian diaspora. The war has changed previously mostly positive public attitudes to Belarusians in democratic countries too. Now, Belarusian opposition and civil society have to deal with the consequences of this changes, first of all, in the countries where most Belarusian organizations and activists are based (Poland, Lithuania and Georgia). Based on 37 semi-structured interviews conducted in February – July 2023, this paper explores the current state of Belarusian civil society in exile within the changing regional environment and the problems they face. We begin with a description of the process of relocation and (re-)establishment of Belarusian civil society abroad and proceed with analyzing their activities and the challenges they face. Then, we discuss their reactions and actions regarding Russia's military aggression. Finally, we summarize our findings related to the transborder/ transnational experience of Belarusian civil society.

Author

• Tatsiana Chulitskaya, Vilnius U (Lithuania)