Description
Book SynopsisRejecting the cliche about weak identity and underdeveloped nationalism, Bekus argues for the co-existence of two parallel concepts of Belarusianness - the official and the alternative one - which mirrors the current state of the Belarusian people more accurately and allows for a different interpretation of the interconnection between the democratization and nationalization of Belarusian society. The book describes how the ethno-symbolic nation of the Belarusian nationalists, based on the cultural capital of the Golden Age of the Belarusian past (17th century) competes with the nation - institutionalized and reified by the numerous civic rituals and social practices under the auspices of the actual Belarusian state. Comparing the two concepts not only provides understanding of the logic that dominates Belarusian society's self-description models, but also enables us to evaluate the chances of alternative Belarusianness to win this unequal struggle over identity.
Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I. Nation in Theory 1. Nation-Formation Strategies in Contemporary Nation-Studies 2. State and Nation 3. Nationalism, Capitalism, Liberalism: The East European Perspective 4. Nationalism and Socialism: The Soviet Case Part II. The Rise and Development of the Belarusian National Idea 5. The First Belarusian Nationalist Movement: Between National and Class Interests 6. Byelorussian Republic within the Soviet State 7. Post-Soviet Conditions for Independence Part III. Belarusian Post-Communism 8 The Election of the First Belarusian President as a Mirror of Belarusian Preferences 9. LabelsA" of the Belarusian Regime 10. Triple TransformationA" and Belarus 11. Prerequisites of Democratization and Authoritarianism in Belarus Part IV. Arguments and Paradoxes of Weak Belarusian Identity 12. Belarus as an Example of National and Democratic Failure 13. The Russian Factor in Belarusian Self-Perception 14. The Paradox of National PrideA" 15. Paradoxes of Political and Linguistic Russification 16. Lack of Religious Basis for National Unity Part V. The Struggle over Identity 17. Two Ideas of BelarusiannessA" in Place of SoleA" National Idea 18. Belarusian-Specific Nature of the Public Sphere: Invisible Wall 19. Belarusian Tradition: The Alternative and Official Historical Narrations 20. Political Discourses of Alternative Belarusianness 21. National Ideology of the Belarusian State as a Political Articulation of Official Belarusianness Part VI. Cultural Manifestation versus Social Reification 22. Two Belarusian Approaches to the Politics of Identity 23. The Belarusian GlobeA": An Encyclopedia of What Existed before Communism 24. Belarusian National Movie Misterium Occupation: Distancing Themselves from Soviets and Russians 25. Free Theater: Alternative Belarusianness on the Stage 26. Independent Rock Music: Critical Reflection and Protest 27. Medieval Reenactors: A Manifestation of Belarus's European History 28. The Official Politics of Identity: Social Reification Strategy Conclusion Bibliography
