Russians' Perceptions Of Belarusians: Friends Or Foreigners?

Public opinion polls in Belarus are banned by the government, so it's difficult to get a clear picture of how Belarusians feel about Russia and Russians. However, several surveys and polls have been conducted, and they suggest that while many Belarusians have a positive view of Russia and Russians, there is also a significant amount of discontent. Some Belarusians resent what they see as Russian imperialism and chauvinism, and the belief that Russia has a right to dominate Eastern Europe. Others are critical of Russian tourists' behaviour when visiting Belarus, and there is a sense that Russians do not respect Belarus as an independent state. Young Belarusians, in particular, are turning away from Russia and seeking closer relations with European countries.

Russians' perception of Belarus as a 'lesser' state

While Russians and Belarusians share a lot in common ethnically, culturally, and linguistically, there is a perception among some Belarusians that Russians view them as a lesser state. This perception is influenced by several factors, including historical, political, and economic considerations.

Historically, Belarus, formerly known as Belorussia or White Russia, was part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. This has contributed to a sense of Belarus being subordinate to Russia, and some Belarusians feel that Russia still treats them as a lesser state. Additionally, Russia's support for the current authoritarian regime in Belarus, led by Alexander Lukashenko, has further reinforced the perception of Russian dominance.

Politically, Russia's involvement in Belarus's internal affairs and its push for greater integration within the Union State have also played a role in shaping the perception of Russian dominance. Some Belarusians view Russia's actions as an attempt to exert control over their country, and there is a concern that Russia may eventually annex Belarus. This perception is particularly strong among those who oppose the current regime and seek closer ties with Western countries.

Economically, Belarus has been dependent on Russia for imports of raw materials and as an export market. This economic reliance has given Russia significant influence over Belarus's policies and has contributed to the perception of economic inequality between the two countries.

Furthermore, some Belarusians feel that Russians look down on them and consider themselves superior. There is a perception that Russians believe they have the right to dominate Eastern Europe and that Belarus is just a smaller, poorer version of Russia. This sense of chauvinism and cultural condescension has created resentment among some Belarusians, who want to be seen as a distinct nation with their own culture and history.

Overall, while there is a positive perception of Russia and Russians among many Belarusians, there is also a segment of the population that views Russia as a threat to their country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This perception of Russian dominance and the desire for greater independence have shaped the complex relationship between the two countries.

Russian tourists' behaviour in Belarus

There is a range of views on how Belarusians feel about Russians and Russia. Some sources suggest that Russians are liked by the majority of Belarusians, with 86% of respondents to a survey expressing a positive attitude towards Russia and 96% towards Russians. However, other sources indicate that many Belarusians find Russians rude, loud, and primitive, and that they behave badly when visiting Belarus as tourists. Some Belarusians also feel that Russians have a sense of superiority and believe that Belarus should belong to them.

In terms of Russian tourist behaviour in Belarus, it is important to note that travel advisories from Australia and the US currently advise their citizens to avoid travelling to Belarus due to the volatile security environment caused by Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine and the arbitrary enforcement of laws by Belarusian authorities. These advisories highlight the risk of severe penalties, including the death penalty, for broadly defined and arbitrarily enforced offences such as "terrorism propaganda" and "discrediting" the Belarusian government, security forces, and military organisations.

Russian tourists should be aware of the potential risks associated with travelling to Belarus at this time. While there are no specific reports of Russian tourist behaviour in Belarus, it is important to follow the local laws and respect the culture and people of Belarus. It is also worth noting that there have been reports of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by police and other local officials in Belarus, and that healthcare standards in the country are below those of some other nations.

Russian tourists should also be aware of the restrictions on travel and financial transactions in Belarus, as well as potential shortages of essential products and services. They should also avoid travelling near the borders with Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland due to the volatile security environment and potential border closures or restrictions on movement.

Russian imperialism and expansionism

Russia's imperial ambitions have deep historical roots. After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, Moscow named itself the third Rome, following the Roman and Byzantine Empires. This messianic idea of a holy Orthodox Russian nation set the stage for future expansion. Beginning in the 1550s, Russia conquered vast territories, including Siberia, central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of Eastern Europe, often at a rate of the size of the Netherlands every year. This expansion was accompanied by settler colonialism and the marginalisation of indigenous cultures and languages.

In the 19th century, Russian emperors promoted the concept of an "All-Russian nation" comprising Great Russians, Little Russians (Ukrainians), and White Russians (Belarusians). This ideology sought to unite the empire's diverse peoples through Eastern Orthodox Christianity, loyalty to the emperor, and Russianness. The idea of a unified Russian nation was used to bolster claims to territories in the partitioned Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The Soviet Union, despite claiming to be anti-imperialist, exhibited imperial tendencies. It was involved in foreign interventions, regime change, and Sovietization, particularly in Central Asia. The USSR also established satellite states in Eastern Europe, occupying and exerting control over most of the region after World War II.

Since the 2010s, under Vladimir Putin, Russia has been described as neo-imperialist. Putin has revived imperial ideas such as the "Russian world" and Eurasianism, seeking to re-establish a Russian empire. Russia has occupied parts of neighbouring countries, including Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova, and has established effective political domination over Belarus. Putin has portrayed the Soviet Union as fulfilling Russia's "imperial destiny" and has lamented the loss of territories following its collapse.

Russian imperialism has been linked to a sense of chauvinism and a belief in Russia's right to dominate Eastern Europe. This mindset has been a source of tension with Belarusians, who have expressed a desire for independence and freedom from Russian influence. Some Belarusians view Russia's actions as a form of neo-colonialism, with Russia treating Belarus as a lesser state that rightfully belongs to them.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has further strained Russia's relationship with Belarus. While Russia has historically viewed Ukraine as a crucial part of its empire, some Belarusians have expressed solidarity with Ukraine and rejected Russian imperialism. The war in Ukraine has been characterised as an imperial conquest driven by a desire to reclaim Russian lands and assert supremacy.

Russian chauvinism

In the modern context, Russian chauvinism is reflected in the belief that Belarusians, Ukrainians, and Russians should be part of one "All-Russian" nation within the "Russian world", as stated by Vladimir Putin in 2021. This notion of a unified Russian nation stems from the imperial-era triune nation concept, where modern Russians were referred to as "Great Russians", while Belarusians were called "White Russians".

The impact of Russian chauvinism on the perceptions of Russians towards Belarusians can be observed through the following aspects:

Historical and Cultural Narratives: Russians may hold a chauvinistic view of their shared history with Belarus, including the idea that Russia has a right to dominate Eastern Europe. This sentiment is off-putting to many Belarusians, who seek to assert their independence and reject the notion of being a "lesser" state.

Superiority and Entitlement: Russians may exhibit a sense of superiority and entitlement when interacting with Belarusians, considering themselves a "superior nation". This attitude can manifest in various forms, such as loud and rude behaviour by Russian tourists in Belarus or the belief that Belarus and Ukraine belong to Russia by default.

Political and Geopolitical Tensions: Russian chauvinism has influenced political decisions and geopolitical tensions between Russia and Belarus. For instance, the support of the Lukashenko regime in Belarus by Russia has negatively impacted how some Belarusians view Russia. Additionally, the perception of Russia as a threat to the territorial integrity of Belarus is notable, despite the generally positive perception of Russia and Vladimir Putin among Belarusians.

Media and Propaganda: Russian state media and propaganda play a significant role in shaping perceptions. The intensive activity of Russian television in Belarus contributes to the popularity of Vladimir Putin among Belarusians. The mythologization of the Soviet past and the glorification of military victories, such as the Olympics in Sochi, serve to instill pride and nationalism among Russians, influencing their views towards other nations, including Belarusians.

Language and Cultural Similarities: The linguistic and cultural similarities between Russians and Belarusians, as Slavic nations, can create a complex dynamic. While some Russians may view Belarusians as kin due to their shared language and culture, others may dismiss Belarusian cultural distinctiveness and assert dominance over their smaller neighbour.

It is important to note that not all Russians hold chauvinistic views towards Belarusians, and there are Russians who criticise their government's actions and strive for mutual respect and understanding.

Russian authoritarianism

Surveys and polls have revealed a complex picture of Belarusian attitudes towards Russia. On the one hand, there is a positive perception of Russia and Russians, with 86% of respondents in one poll viewing Russia favourably and 96% expressing positive sentiments towards Russians. Additionally, 60% of Belarusians expressed support for Vladimir Putin. However, there are also indications of shifting sentiments, particularly among younger generations, who are turning away from Russia and seeking closer relations with Western countries.

The language and identity of Belarusians play a crucial role in their views towards Russia. The Belarusian language has been marginalised since the collapse of the Soviet Union, with Alexander Lukashenko preferring to speak Russian. As a result, Belarusian has become a symbol of opposition. While young Belarusians primarily speak Russian in their daily interactions, they have shown little interest in speaking more Belarusian. Instead, they have shownsection used traditional Belarusian symbols, such as the old national flag, during protests to assert their national identity.

Section Many Belarusians perceive Russia as a threat to their territorial integrity, with 43% considering it the greatest threat. This concern is particularly pronounced among younger, better-educated individuals who do not consume state media. They view Russia's actions in Georgia and Crimea as aggressive and fear Kremlin policies in the post-Soviet area. However, this perception of Russia as a threat does not always translate into negative attitudes towards the country or its leader, Vladimir Putin, who is presented in Russian media as a strong and efficient leader.

Overall, while there is a complex mix of positive and negative sentiments towards Russia among Belarusians, there is a growing trend, especially among the youth, to reject Russian influence and authoritarianism and embrace a more pro-Western orientation.

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