Join the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute for an online discussion of Belarus's civil society in the time of COVID-19. 

For over two decades, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko shielded his country from change and fostered a quasi-Soviet economy and society. But even as his pressure never eased, Belarus has developed social and cultural movements that have gained traction in the human rights sphere as well as in the coronavirus relief effort. The possibility of profound political change is premature, but Lukashenko, a self-professed “COVID-dissident,” has alienated some of his staunchest supporters by prioritizing his politics over his country's struggles. Katsiaryna Šmacina, Franak Viačorka, Vytis Jurkonis and Maxim Trudolyubov will discuss the emerging civil society in Belarus in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RSVP is requested; information can be found on the event page.

Speakers:

Katsiaryna Šmacina, Rethink.CEE fellow, German Marshall Fund of the U.S.

Franak Viačorka, contractor, U.S. Agency for Global Media

Vytis Jurkonis, project director, Freedom House

Maxim Trudolyubov, senior advisor, editor-in-chief, Russia File; editor-at-large, Vedomosti Daily

Matthew Rojansky (moderator), director, Kennan Institute