Struggle Over Identity: The Official and the Alternative "Belarusianness"

Bekus rejects the cliché about "weak identity and underdeveloped nationalism" and argues for the co-existence of two parallel concepts of Belarusianness: the official and the alternative one. This mirrors the current state of the Belarusian people more accurately and allows for a different interpretation of the interconnection between democratization and nationalization. The book describes how the ethno-symbolic nation of Belarusian nationalists competes with the "nation" institutionalized and reified by the actual Belarusian state. Comparing the two concepts enables us to evaluate the chances of alternative Belarusianness to win this unequal struggle over identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Central European University Press

Bekus challenges the notion of a "weak identity and underdeveloped nationalism" by proposing the co-existence of two parallel concepts of Belarusianness. These concepts, the official and the alternative, reflect the current state of the Belarusian people more accurately and offer a different interpretation of the interconnection between democratization and nationalization in Belarusian society.

The book explores how the ethno-symbolic nation of Belarusian nationalists, built on the cultural capital of the Golden Age of the Belarusian past (17th century), competes with the "nation" institutionalized and reified by the numerous civic rituals and social practices under the auspices of the actual Belarusian state. By comparing these two concepts, the book provides insight into the logic that dominates Belarusian society's self-description models and evaluates the chances of alternative Belarusianness to succeed in this unequal struggle over identity.

Bekus argues that the official concept of Belarusianness is limited and does not fully capture the diverse experiences and perspectives of the Belarusian people. He suggests that the alternative concept of Belarusianness, which is based on cultural heritage, historical memory, and a sense of belonging, offers a more inclusive and accurate representation of the nation.

The book also examines the historical and political context in which these two concepts of Belarusianness have developed. It explores the role of the Belarusian state in shaping the official concept of Belarusianness, as well as the efforts of the Belarusian nationalists to promote the alternative concept. The book argues that the official concept of Belarusianness is often used to legitimize the authoritarian regime of President Alexander Lukashenko, while the alternative concept of Belarusianness provides a platform for opposition and resistance to the regime.

In conclusion, Bekus' book offers a valuable contribution to the study of identity politics in Belarus. It challenges the notion of a "weak identity and underdeveloped nationalism" by proposing the co-existence of two parallel concepts of Belarusianness. The book provides insight into the logic that dominates Belarusian society's self-description models and evaluates the chances of alternative Belarusianness to succeed in the unequal struggle over identity. By exploring the historical and political context in which these two concepts have developed, the book offers a critical analysis of the role of the Belarusian state in shaping the nation's identity and the challenges faced by the Belarusian people in asserting their own identity.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633866986