Read the introduction here. In the last ten years, Belarusian economy fueled with cheap Russian energy experienced high growth rates; however, such rapid economic development parallels a process of a close political alliance with Russia and potentially might threaten Belarusian sovereignty. In order to fully understand events and factors that led Belarus to such position, [...]

On December 8, 1991, Boris Yeltsin, Stanislav Shushkevich and Leonid Kravchuk, the leaders of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, signed the Belavezha agreement which effectively dissolved the Soviet Union. As a result of this colossal event, Belarus, just like other former Soviet republics, not only acquired independence but also faced a crucial survival test. The republic [...]

Not long ago we wrote about a documentary movie ‘Lessons of Belarusian Language”. Back then, it was unavailable to viewers; however, thanks to comments from our readers we are happy to write that this movie is available on line! below is a recap of a blog and the movie itself. Radio Svaboda reports that First [...]

The Captive Nations Parade has been conducted every third week in July for the past 48 years. This event has been held annually since 1959. When Congress designated the third week of July as a time to remember once-independent countries which are now under Soviet rule. The Captive Nations Committee and approximately 50 supporters—mostly from [...]

Here we go again! After dealing with Da Vinci Code by banning it from local movie theaters, Belarusian authorities found another victim-V for Vendetta. Perhaps, they took comics seriously or maybe it is paranoia responsible for it. In either case, V for Vendetta won’t be shown in Belarus, period. Apparently, an uncompromising vision of the [...]

I won’t be really wrong if I say that it takes a lot to make a history class a truly remembered one. In most cases, it depends on a subject, professor and his teaching style. In my case, I had one very good professor at NYU who taught “Contemporary World” class. The professor never had [...]

The ruins decay – the vultures fly away No longer flocking round the gore. But painful and unhealing stay The ever-gnawing wounds of war. Michaś Vasilok The cold autumn wind sweeps over the ground driving the withered leaves under the zavalinkas* and sways the wet branches in the small garden. It prances mischievously from round [...]

Belarus has marked the 20th anniversary of Chernobyl catastrophe. 10,000 thousands of Belarusians took to the streets of Minsk for a traditional Charnobylski Shlyakh (The Path of Chernobyl). This year the rally was held under the motto “Freedom. Truth. Justice”. The Belarusians protested not only against the official policy of hushing up the aftermaths of [...]

The photo chronicles of “Belarusian fight for freedom” are widely available on Internet. By looking at those images, a viewer can see a full story behind “The Denim Revolution”. It sort of unveils in front of his eyes in full colors and details, giving a viewer a chance to get an extra sense of what [...]