Dr. Lizaveta Dubinka-Hushcha, Director of the Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, “The Beleaguered Muse: Belarusian Culture in the Grip of Repression and the Fight for a Free Voice”. Belarus Research Network for Neighborhood Policy, 2024
This policy paper examines the evolving landscape of Belarusian culture under repressive state control since 2020, assessing its significance as a source of resilience and democratic potential. Through an analysis of cultural consumption, ideological suppression, and the emergence of new cultural dynamics within and beyond Belarusian borders, this study illustrates the dual role of Belarusian culture as a means of identity preservation and a catalyst for democratic transformation. Emphasis is placed on the cultural sector’s division into official, unofficial, and emigrant spheres, highlighting challenges, risks, and potential futures for Belarusian cultural expression.