International conference “Belarus and Belarusians in the time of geopolitical insecurities: global perceptions and domestic realities”
Five years after the pivotal conference “Belarus 2020 and Beyond: Path Dependency or Break with the Past?”, the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University is hosting a new international conference to examine Belarus’s evolving political landscape in the face of continued repression, war, and shifting geopolitical situation. The event will take place at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University on September 11-12, 2025.
The 2020 protests marked a defining moment in Belarusian history. However, in the years that followed, the Lukashenka regime intensified its authoritarian grip and aligned itself more closely with Russia’s war in Ukraine. This conference will critically assess the consequences of these developments, the transformation of the Belarusian state and society under deepening repression and co-option, and the changing geopolitical situation. The event will also address such topics as diaspora, exiled political leadership, and civil society.
Bringing together scholars, policymakers, and experts, this conference will explore the geopolitical struggle over Belarus, analysing Russia’s strategic influence and the EU’s policy responses in the situation of shifts in the US foreign policy. As Belarus remains at the intersection of regional instability and great-power politics, this conference aims to provide an in-depth analysis of its developments. Reflecting on five years after the mass protest in authoritarian Belarus and three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, what lessons have been learned?
The invitation extends to the researchers interested in Belarus, its domestic and foreign policies and working in the academic fields of area studies, comparative politics, international relations, security studies, economics, history, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies and related disciplines. Organisers suggest the following Conference topics, but proposals for papers on other topics related to the developments in Belarus and Belarusian diaspora after 2020 are also welcome:
Belarus in the current geopolitical situation: security and military threats
We invite submissions of papers on official Minsk’s foreign policy and Belarusians’ geopolitical orientations, as well as Russia and the EU’s responses to developments in Belarus amid shifts in US foreign policy. Contributions may explore hard and soft security issues, including military aspects of Russia-Belarus cooperation, security threats linked to energy and the Astravets nuclear power plant, and challenges related to disinformation and cyber security. Papers may also examine Belarus’s role in regional power struggles and its geopolitical future.
Belarusian diaspora and migration
We invite submissions of papers analysing issues related to Belarusian migration and diaspora, focusing on Belarusians in Lithuania in particular. Papers may examine the political, social, and economic dynamics of Belarusian migration, the role of the diaspora, exiled opposition and civil society in promoting democratic norms, and the relations between Belarusian migrants and host societies. Topics may include but are not limited to analysis of a post-2020 Belarusian diaspora in different countries, transnational networks, and the challenges Belarusians abroad face.
Ukraine, Belarus, and regional security: war’s impact and responses
We invite submissions examining Belarus’s role in Russia’s war against Ukraine, focusing on the Lukashenka regime’s support for the Kremlin and the Belarusian opposition and civil society’s solidarity with Ukraine. Papers may explore the geopolitical and security implications of Belarus’ alignment with Russia and its impact on regional stability. Additionally, we welcome analyses of how the war has shaped attitudes toward Belarusians, both in Ukraine and among other democratic nations, and growing security concerns linked to Belarus.
The Belarusian economy in a shifting geopolitical situation
We invite submissions of papers examining the economic situation in Belarus. Contributions may explore the impact of EU sanctions on Belarus in the situation of possible changes in the US sanctions policy. We welcome analyses of Russia-Belarus economic cooperation, including Moscow’s increasing economic leverage over the country and the risks of deeper economic absorption. Papers may address, but are not limited to, topics such as the structural challenges of the Belarusian economy, trade and energy dependencies, and the prospects for economic diversification.
Media and civil society in Belarus: resistance and cooption. Human rights, gender and inclusion
We invite papers examining the role of media and civil society in Belarus, focusing on resistance and, vice versa, state-led co-optation. We are interested in research on human rights, gender equality, and inclusion, which are both instrumentalised and actively suppressed by the authoritarian regime. Papers may explore media censorship, propaganda, disinformation, grassroots activism, civil society, and human rights.
Public administration, government, and governance in Belarus
We invite submissions of papers exploring public administration issues in Belarus and how democratic concepts and norms—such as good governance and transparency—are promoted, adapted, and manipulated in the authoritarian state. Papers might include but are not limited to analysis of civil service, public finances and budgeting, international development, and infrastructure programmes and projects in Belarus focused on governance issues.
The deadline for the paper submission is the 18th of May, 2025. Proposals have to be submitted in English by filling out the this form.
All proposals will undergo a selection procedure by the Conference Programme Committee. The Committee will send e-mail notifications of acceptance by the 2nd of June, 2025.
There is no Conference fee. The organisers will issue visa invitations if needed.
In-person conference participation is strongly encouraged. Remote online participation is allowed only under extraordinary circumstances. In such cases please contact belarusconference@tspmi.vu.lt.
Information is being prepared.
Information is being prepared.
Informational partners:
Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism”
Warwick Ukraine-Belarus (WUB) Hub
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the organisers via email: belarusconference@tspmi.vu.lt
