Russian Lobby in Belarus: Could Belarus be the Next after Ukraine?

Russian Lobby in Belarus: Could Belarus be the Next after Ukraine? A lecture at The Institute of World Politics, May 8, 2018 About the lecture: After the occupation of Crimea, Russia began to expand its presence in Belarus. Hundreds of Russia-backed initiatives, formally cultural, media, or educational, emerged. Besides that, Sputnik opened its office in Minsk and had almost 1400% audience growth during two years. We observe increasing polarization between pro-Western and pro-Russian Belarusians, which apparently could lead to open conflict. About the speaker: Franak Viačorka is an M.A. candidate at American University in New Media, Democracy, and International Affairs. Previously, he studied at the College of Europe (2017), Warsaw University (2010-2014), and Belarus State University (2005-2008). Currently, he works for the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty Belarus service. Franak is a Vaclav Havel Fellow, nominated by Vaclav Havel himself, and also the laureate of the Civil Society Leadership Award. Franak is the founder and vice president of Belarusian cultural initiative Art Siadziba. In 2014, after the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, he launched a nation-wide campaign promoting the national identity of Belarus, which followed up in so-called "soft Belarussization." Before that, Viacorka served as a leader of the youth wing of the Belarusian Popular Front (BNF). He has been arrested four times and was tortured while serving under forced conscription in the Belarusian army. In Belarusian army, he was fighting for the right to speak Belarusian. His personal story became the plot for the award-winning Polish-French movie Viva Belarus.