Geopolitics: new national survey data to be presented on April 2

The research is yet another step in BISS’s endeavor to answer the questions: What is the attitude of the Belarusians towards the main integration centers—Russia and the EU? How important to them is the independence of the country? What are the ‘social portraits’ of the supporters of the unions with Russia and the EU? How do the Belarusians perceive the prospects and appeal of the main integration projects? How did the economic crisis impact their choice of allies?

In 2010, BISS carried out the study “Belarus and the World: Geopolitical Choice and Security in the Context of Economy and Culture.” The comparison of the data obtained in 2010 and 2013 made it possible to explore changes in some of the crucial trends. As a result, some of the popular stereotypes about the geopolitical choice of the Belarusians were debunked, specifically, the stereotype about the predominantly value-based choice of ‘Euro-enthusiasts’ and integrity of ‘Russophiles,’ as well as the myth about the brotherhood with Russia and consensus on the independence of Belarus.