Belarus’ autocrat Aliaksandr Luksahenka has been in power for 27 years, remaining the symbol of authoritarianism in post-communist Europe. This status quo was upset during last year’s elections, when the country saw unprecedented democratic mobilization led by the presidential candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. One year later, the now-exiled democratic opposition continues to make international headlines, garners international support and scores victories in its struggle against the Lukashenka regime. Join us, as we discuss the uncommon resilience and future of the democratic movement in Belarus, the effect of Western support on its survival, and Russian assistance to the ruling regime.
Speakers:
- Valery Kavaleuski – representative of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Foreign Affairs. Prior to joining Tsikhanouskaya’s cabinet, Mr. Kavaleusky served at the Foreign Ministry of Belarus and worked at the headquarters of the World Bank. He holds a master’s degree from Georgetown University.
- Dr. Tatsiana Chulitskaya - a political science researcher at Vytautas Magnus University. Dr. Chulitskaya studies public administration, civil society, and nondemocratic regimes. Her latest work explores the relationship between civil society in Belarus and external actors, such as Europe and Russia.
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Dr. David Marples – a historian and Distinguished University professor at University of Alberta. Dr. Marples specializes in the history of post-Soviet countries and has written multiple books and articles on political history of Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.
Join the Zoom event here: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/96202169256
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