Lukashenko orders officials to urgently formulate a national idea for Belarus
29 June 05:12
Belarus needs a clear national idea, said Alexander Lukashenko. He regularly sends such a request to ideologues.
DW asked experts what caused the politician’s concern this time and what to expect from officials. For the first time, Lukashenka started searching for a national idea in 2003, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Back then, the course “Fundamentals of the Ideology of the Belarusian State” was included in the university curriculum. However, in more than twenty years, as the politician himself admits, the task has not been solved.
An old slogan is presented as a new idea
on June 12, at a meeting with the leadership of his administration, Lukashenka again raised the problem: “God willing, we will finally clearly explain to the people not only what ideology is, but also develop a national idea that could capture the hearts and minds of people. Maybe it already exists.” idea. If we develop it, it will be the pinnacle.”
MP Vadim Gigin was the first to respond to Lukashenko’s demand. In an interview with the state media, he said that “the slogan ‘Together for a strong and prosperous Belarus’ allows us to talk about an idea that has the masses.”
“The word ‘strong’ means independent, sovereign, protected. ‘Prosperous’ means the well-being of the citizens of Belarus,” he believes. – “The slogan should reflect our, Belarusian, values. Even several levels – humanitarian, civilizational and what is characteristic of Belarusians. We just need to make one or two steps.”
The slogan “Together for a strong and prosperous Belarus” appeared at the fifth All-Belarusian People’s Assembly (VNS) in 2016. Earlier, the authorities used a shortened version – “For a strong and prosperous Belarus” – at the second VNS back in 2001.
The main ideologist of Belarus, Vladimir Pertsov, will oversee the development of the national idea, and his main goal is to foster patriotism and unity around the state symbols and Lukashenka.
Why are the authorities looking for a national idea again?
Philosopher Pavel Barkovsky believes that the old ideology based on pseudo-patriotism no longer allows Lukashenka to stay in power with confidence. “The more Belarus becomes dependent on Russia, the more difficult it is to develop a strong identity on which the state can rely,” he says. – “Relying on national forces and an agenda has a natural basis. But the problem is that Lukashenko is a Soviet man by identity. He demands that officials come up with a version of the national agenda with an asterisk.”
Historian Pavel Tereshkovich believes that Lukashenko understands that the possibilities of controlling society by brute force – with the help of police cars and prison – are not unlimited. “In addition, he sees that the current ideological processing of society does not work,” he continues, “A recent example is that schoolchildren simply threw away their textbooks after passing the exam on the history of Belarus.
Tereshkovich believes that Lukashenka would like to be not only feared but also loved. “That’s why ideologists were tasked with finding a national idea to ensure the population’s loyalty,” the historian believes.
What can we expect from ideologues?
Barkouski believes that as long as Lukashenka is in power, Belarus will continue to see the ideas of the “Russian world” being imposed.
The current ideologues, he emphasizes, rely on the ideas of Western Russism, where Belarusians are given the place of a part in the general imperial heritage, where there is no place for national identity.
“Gigin’s toothless idea is not something that can motivate anyone,” the philosopher believes. – “Against the backdrop of large-scale sanctions, there are still questions about both prosperity and the strength of the state. While the authorities proudly emphasize that there is no war in Belarus, given the active militarization of society, this argument no longer looks convincing. to take the first blow in the event of a clash with NATO. And this scares Belarusians.
Tereshkovich believes that ideologues, as in the past 20 years, will simply pretend to be looking for a national idea, while in practice sabotaging the order. “Gigin’s idea is an old hackneyed slogan,” the expert explains.
“Because, if you really look into it, the question may arise: is there a nation?” believes Pavlo Tereshkovych. “The regime is purposefully destroying the nation, killing the Belarusian language and crippling history. This government cannot create a national idea that creates and unites.”
