Belarus - Prospects of a Middle Power

This study examines Belarusian history since the ninth century CE. The author analyzes issues surrounding Belarusian society regarding identity, religion, elites, and recent events since 2020 and argues for a Western-oriented identity.

List of contents

Preface
Prologue "Was, Worth, Will Be"
Maps
A Gallery of Prominent Belarusians Whose Contributions Supported Nation-Building

PART I. The History of Belarusian Statehood

From Ethnos to a Nation (Belarusians in the Ninth to Nineteenth Centuries)

Belarusian Statehood in the Twentieth Century

PART II. The Place of Belarusians Among Civilizations

Belarusian-Ukrainian/Western-Ruthenian Civilization

Belarusians and Ukrainians Belong to Western Civilization

PART III. Characteristics of the Modern Belarusian Nation

The Conditions for Nation-building in Belarus in the Twentieth Century

General Information about Modern Belarus

National Identity and Language

The Mentality of Belarusian Society (Belarusianess)

Church and Nation

PART IV. Belarus: In Search of Its Own Way

Theoretical Models of the Belarusian National State Construction

Under the "Patronage of Russia"

"Belarus to Europe"

Neutrality by Form and Content and Europeanism by Spirit

Belarusian Elites and Nation-building Today

Revolution of Hope

Epilogue
Appendix A: Princes of Polatsk
Appendix B: Borders of Regions with a Majority Belarusian Population
Appendix C: Changes in Territory and Population of Modern Belarus
Appendix D: Periods of Nation-building in Modern Belarus
Appendix E: Belarusian Olympians Rank First in Summer Games among the Countries of the Former USSR
Bibliography
About the Author

About the author

Piotra P. Murzionak is president of the Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences, Canada.

Summary

This study examines Belarusian history since the ninth century CE. The author analyzes issues surrounding Belarusian society regarding identity, religion, elites, and recent events since 2020 and argues for a Western-oriented identity.

Product details

• Authors: Piotra P. Murzionak, Murzionak Piotra P. Murzionak
• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.09.2023
• EAN: 9781793654939
• ISBN: 978-1-79365-493-9
• No. of pages: 348
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; Russia, HISTORY / World, Former Soviet Union, USSR (Europe), USSR, Soviet Union, History of other geographical groupings and regions, History of other lands, HISTORY / Russia / Soviet Era