Symbols of the Belarusian Resistance after the 2020 Presidential Election

Abstract

The protests that erupted in August 2020 in Belarus constituted the largest public outcry against the authorities since the beginning of the state’s establishment. Their distinguishing feature was their participants’ unprecedented use of symbols of defiance. From the first days, protesters stood out for a high level of awareness of the use of symbols and skilful adaptation of historical and cultural references. They resorted to borrowing symbols previously used at home or abroad, using collective memory and producing their own system of symbolism. Belarusian society emerged from the protests significantly weakened. Protest leaders either ended up in penal colonies or had to flee abroad. Internationally, however, the reaction of Belarusians has transformed their image. Before August 2020, they were judged subservient and passive. After that, they revealed themselves as a tenacious and creative nation.