International conference “Belarus and Belarusians in the time of geopolitical insecurities: global perceptions and domestic realities”
We kindly invite you to submit paper proposals for the international conference “Belarus and Belarusians in the time of geopolitical insecurities: global perceptions and domestic realities”, which will take place on 11-12 September 2025 at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University!
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;
- Belarusian diaspora and migration;
- Ukraine, Belarus, and regional security: war’s impact and responses;
- The Belarusian economy in a shifting geopolitical situation;
- Media and civil society in Belarus: resistance and cooption. Human rights, gender and inclusion;
- Public administration, government, and governance in Belarus.
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.
Find more information here.
