Americans' Awareness Of Belarus: A Curious Exploration

Do Americans know about Belarus? The answer is a resounding no. The average American doesn't know much about Belarus beyond perhaps the vague notion that it's somewhere near Russia. This is not surprising given the lack of cultural exports from Belarus and the fact that it is a relatively new country. Most Americans would struggle to identify all 50 states on a map, let alone name a famous Belarusian food or personality. However, there is a significant population of Belarusian Americans, largely concentrated in metropolitan areas like New York, New Jersey, and Chicago, who have introduced Belarusian cuisine and traditions to the US.

Americans' perception of Belarus

The history of Belarusian immigration to the United States dates back to the beginning of the 17th century, with the first wave of mass emigration occurring in the late 19th century and continuing until World War I. However, due to the timing of this initial wave, many Belarusian immigrants were registered as Russians or Poles, depending on their religious affiliation. This dynamic continued for subsequent waves of immigration, including those following World War II and the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. As a result, it is challenging to determine the exact number of Belarusian Americans, as many individuals of Belarusian ancestry may identify with other ethnic groups.

Despite the presence of a Belarusian-American community, the general perception of Belarus among Americans is often shaped by limited knowledge and exposure. Some Americans view Belarus as a small country within Russia's sphere of influence, lacking prominent cultural exports or famous individuals to increase its visibility on the world stage. This perception is reflected in comments made by Americans on online forums, where they acknowledge their own ignorance about Belarus and attribute it to the country's relatively recent independence, lack of cultural exposure, and geographical distance.

However, it is important to note that Americans' perceptions of Belarus are not universally negative or indifferent. Some Americans express curiosity about Belarusian culture and respect for the country's people, particularly in light of the ongoing political situation. Additionally, there is recognition of notable individuals with Belarusian heritage, such as Isaac Asimov, Louis Mayer, Larry King, and Scarlett Johansson, although their connection to Belarus may not be widely known.

In recent years, diplomatic relations between the United States and Belarus have been strained due to accusations of human rights violations and interference in internal affairs. This has further complicated Americans' perceptions of Belarus, with official travel advisories warning against visiting the country due to safety concerns.

Travel advisories for Belarus

The US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australian governments have all issued advisories recommending their citizens not to travel to Belarus. The UK Foreign Office also advises against all but essential travel to Belarus.

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") travel advisory for Belarus, citing the following reasons:

• The Belarusian authorities' continued facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine
• The buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus
• The arbitrary enforcement of local laws
• The potential for civil unrest and the risk of detention
• The limited ability of the US Embassy to assist US citizens residing in or travelling to Belarus

The US Embassy in Belarus has provided the following additional information and advice for US citizens:

• On February 28, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of US government employees and the suspension of operations of the US Embassy in Minsk. All consular services, routine and emergency, are suspended until further notice.
• US citizens in Belarus who require consular services should try to leave the country as soon as possible and contact a US embassy or consulate in another country.
• Exercise increased awareness and vigilance regarding political and military tensions in the region. Avoid public demonstrations.
• US citizens should regularly reevaluate possible departure plans in the event of an emergency. Border crossings with neighbouring states are sometimes closed with little notice.
• Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including US citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and alleged participation in political demonstrations.
• US citizens in the vicinity of demonstrations have been arrested and some have been victims of harassment and/or mistreatment by Belarusian officials.
• Belarusian authorities have targeted individuals associated with independent and foreign media.
• Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual US-Belarusian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals' US citizenship, including denying or delaying consular assistance to detained dual nationals.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Advisory Notice prohibiting US air carriers, airmen and airwomen, and registered aircraft from operating at all altitudes in the Minsk Flight Information Region (UMMV).

The Canadian government advises its citizens to avoid all travel to Belarus due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Canadian Embassy's ability to provide consular services in Belarus is extremely limited. Canadians in Belarus are advised to leave the country by commercial means and not to depend on the Canadian government for help with evacuating.

The New Zealand government advises its citizens not to travel to Belarus due to the volatile security situation caused by the Russian military action in neighbouring Ukraine and the conducting of military operations by Russian forces from Belarus. New Zealanders in Belarus should leave immediately if they judge it to be safe to do so. New Zealand's ability to provide consular assistance to its citizens in Belarus is very limited.

The Australian government advises its citizens not to travel to Belarus due to the volatile security environment, which could deteriorate at short notice. Belarus imposes strong penalties for very broadly defined and arbitrarily enforced offences. Belarus does not recognise dual nationality, so if you enter Belarus with a Belarusian passport, the local authorities will treat you as a Belarusian national even if you are a dual national. This severely limits the consular services the Australian government can provide if you are arrested or detained. Australians in Belarus are advised to leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means.

In addition to the above, other risks and considerations for travellers to Belarus include:

• The threat of terrorism in Europe. Targets could include government buildings, airports, transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, shopping centres, and other sites frequented by foreigners.
• Demonstrations and large gatherings, which should be avoided. Local authorities have used force and arrested demonstrators in the past.
• Debit and credit card fraud.
• The risk of spiked food and drinks—never leave food or drinks unattended, and be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances.
• Tourist facilities are limited and only available in larger cities.
• Poor road safety—drivers generally have little regard for traffic regulations and safe driving practices. Horse-drawn carts are a common road hazard in rural areas.
• The use of only officially marked taxis.
• The need to carry an international driving permit.
• The requirement to drive with vehicle lights on at all times from November 1 to March 31.
• The prohibition on the use of hand-held devices while driving.
• A zero-tolerance alcohol limit for drivers.
• The need to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior if staying in Belarus for more than five days.

Belarusian Americans

Many Americans are unaware of Belarus, beyond perhaps a vague notion of it being a region within Russia or close to Russia. However, there is a notable community of Belarusian Americans, also known as White Russian Americans or White Ruthenian Americans, with a rich history and cultural presence in the United States.

The first Belarusian settlers in the US are believed to have arrived in the 17th century in Virginia, possibly brought as Slavic slaves by Captain John Smith, who visited Belarus in 1603. The first significant wave of emigration from Belarus began in the late 19th century and continued until World War I. These immigrants settled mainly in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore, but they were often registered as Russians (if they were Orthodox Christians) or Poles (if they were Roman Catholics), as this was before the full development of Belarusian nationalism.

Several more waves of Belarusian immigration to the US occurred: in 1919-1939 from Western Belarus, after World War II in the late 1940s to early 1950s, and again after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. A significant group among these immigrants were Belarusian Jews, who faced discrimination in the Russian Empire, of which Belarus was then a part.

According to the 2000 Census Bureau report, 38,505 people born in Belarus lived in the US, with 1,363 of them speaking Belarusian at home. The largest concentrations of Belarusian Americans are found in metropolitan areas such as New York, New Jersey, Cleveland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Detroit.

Belarusian culture has also left its mark on American cuisine, with dishes like bagels, pierogi, kielbasy, and various potato-based dishes like draniki and babka. Belarusian Americans have established organisations to promote their language, culture, and religious traditions, with choirs, theatrical groups, and musical and dance ensembles. One notable association is the Belarusan American Association.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which started in 2014. The invasion, the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, has caused hundreds of thousands of military casualties and tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties. As of 2024, Russian troops occupy about 20% of Ukraine.

In late 2021, Russia massed troops near Ukraine's borders and issued demands, including a ban on Ukraine ever joining the NATO military alliance. After repeatedly denying having plans to attack Ukraine, on 24 February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation", saying that it was to support the Russian-backed breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, whose paramilitary forces had been fighting Ukraine in the Donbas conflict since 2014. Putin espoused irredentist and neo-imperialist views, challenging Ukraine's legitimacy as a state, falsely claiming that Ukraine was governed by neo-Nazis persecuting the Russian minority, and saying that Russia's goal was to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine.

Russian airstrikes and a ground invasion were launched on a northern front from Belarus toward the capital Kyiv, a southern front from Crimea, and an eastern front from the Donbas toward Kharkiv. Ukraine enacted martial law, ordered a general mobilization, and severed diplomatic relations with Russia.

Russian troops retreated from the north and the outskirts of Kyiv by April 2022, after encountering stiff resistance and logistical challenges. The Bucha massacre was uncovered after their withdrawal. In the southeast, Russia launched an offensive in the Donbas and captured Mariupol after a destructive siege. Russia continued to bomb military and civilian targets far from the front and struck the energy grid through the winter months.

The invasion was met with widespread international condemnation. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion and demanding a full Russian withdrawal. The International Court of Justice ordered Russia to halt military operations, and the Council of Europe expelled Russia. Many countries imposed sanctions on Russia and its ally Belarus, and provided humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.

The Baltic states and Poland declared Russia a terrorist state. Protests occurred around the world, with anti-war protesters in Russia being met by mass arrests and greater media censorship. The Russian attacks on civilians have led to allegations of genocide. War-related disruption to Ukrainian agriculture and shipping contributed to a world food crisis, while war-related environmental damage has been described as ecocide.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened an investigation into crimes against humanity, war crimes, abduction of Ukrainian children, and genocide against Ukrainians. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, and for military officials Sergey Kobylash, Viktor Sokolov, Sergei Shoigu, and Valery Gerasimov.

By 2024, the Russian invasion of Ukraine had become the deadliest European war in the last 80 years, surpassing the death toll of the Bosnian War. The war caused the largest refugee and humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II.

Belarus-US relations

Interstate relations between the US and Belarus began in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, the relationship has since soured due to accusations of human rights violations by Belarus and counter-accusations of interference in internal affairs.

The US recognised the independence of Belarus on 25 December 1991, and the two countries established diplomatic relations three days later. The US Embassy in Minsk was officially opened on 31 January 1992, with the first ambassador, David H. Swartz, taking up his post on 25 August 1992. The Belarusian Embassy in Washington, D.C. followed in 1993.

In 1994, US President Bill Clinton visited Minsk for six hours, in what was considered a "thank you" visit after Belarus agreed to transfer its Soviet nuclear stockpile to Russia.

However, relations between the two countries have since deteriorated, with the US imposing sanctions on Belarus in the mid-2000s due to concerns over human rights abuses and a lack of democratic processes. In 2008, Belarus recalled its ambassador from Washington and expelled the US Ambassador from Minsk.

In 2019, the two countries took steps to improve relations, exchanging ambassadors for the first time since 2008. However, following the disputed 2020 presidential election in Belarus, which was widely condemned by the international community, relations once again soured. The US imposed additional sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals implicated in the election and the subsequent crackdown on civil society.

In February 2022, the US suspended its embassy in Belarus following intelligence that the country was preparing to join Russia in invading Ukraine.

US assistance to Belarus focuses on promoting democratic principles, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. Since 1992, the US government has provided over $1 billion in foreign assistance to Belarus, including over $2 million in COVID-related aid.

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