The concept of the Russian world in the information space of Belarus

Abstract

The promotion of the ideas of the Russian world is a central element of Russia’s ideological influence in Belarus. As a result, narratives designed to promote this concept are being actively disseminated in the Belarusian information space. Purposeful informational influence is carried out through a network of pro-Russian Internet resources, using a characteristic set of theses, techniques, and formulations, which substantiate the common history, national, linguistic kinship, and the need to unite the Belarusian and Russian peoples. The classification and analysis of the main narratives, through which the ideological messages of the Russian world are imposed in the information space of Belarus, gives grounds to assert that this propaganda is based on messages about a common history, the native Russian language for Belarusians and the thesis that Belarusians and Russians are one people. These theses, as well as a peculiar interpretation of historical facts and their adaptation to modern socio-political processes, testify to purposeful activities designed to promote the Russian-centric agenda in Belarusian society. Thus, the ultimate goal of the studied information messages is to impose on the Belarusian society the idea that there is no alternative to the pro-Russian vector of development of the foreign policy of the Republic of Belarus, while denying the fact of the Russification of Belarusians.