1. Four variants of Belarusianness Belarusians with different views share a common culture: Kolas and Kupala, draniki, European bison, clean streets. They see their nation as formed and distinct, describing themselves in terms that closely echo the national anthem— as peaceful and hardworking. As a result, 85% of urban residents are proud to be Belarusian. Yet beneath this shared foundation, two projects of the Belarusian nation compete: the Soviet and the National-Romantic. Together, they shape four segments of Belarusianness: the Conscious, the Emerging, the Indifferent, and the Soviet. In addition, a small share of the Russified do not consider themselves Belarusian. Belarusians are a nation with a formed identity: people with different views share common symbols, values, and self-image Most Belarusians not only identify with their country but also take pride in their national belonging(85% 4 ) and consider Belarusian culture unique(72%). Belarusians across different segments share a common self­image as“peaceful”(45%) and“hardworking”(40%). These are the key character traits that, in Belarusians’ view, not only define them as a nation but also foster a sense of commonality. As the in-depth interviews show, peacefulness includes both being non-belligerent and being calm, non-confrontational in everyday life 5 . The opening line of the official anthem clearly resonates with Belarusians, as it reflects what they consider their core value. Extensions of Belarusian peacefulness are kindness and hospitality— a willingness to help fellow Belarusians without expecting personal gain and an openness toward people of other nationalities. As a rule, all Belarusians are kind of non-confrontational in terms of character, not belligerent, calmer. I mean, even if you look at the neighboring countries around, this character trait really stands out even against the background of the neighbors. Male, 45, Conscious The words of our anthem immediately come to mind. “We Belarusians are peaceful people, wholeheartedly devoted to our native land...” And for me, Belarusians — well, I was raised this way, and I consider myself like that too— basically, I consider Belarusians to be very kind, peaceful, well- mannered, hospitable people, let’s say. Female, 35, Emerging Hard work and a commitment to tidiness are seen not merely as everyday habits, but as expressions of inner discipline and responsibility. For example, clean streets are viewed not as the achievement of the state, but as the result of people’s own efforts— their tidiness and respect for shared spaces. We are very clean. I mean, our country is very clean. All the cities, all the villages— everything is very clean. To the point that you’re walking down the street, and you’re simply afraid to throw a piece of paper on the ground. Female, 39, Indifferent This commitment to tidiness is also reflected in moral values: Belarusians value honesty and decency in themselves and in others. Belarusians with different political views are united by a shared space of national symbols and culture. This includes the European bison and draniki, classic writers Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas, the music of Pesnyary, the Kommunarka confectionery factory, and BelAZ. Belarusians from different segments visit the same historical sites: Khatyn, the Brest Fortress, and Mir Castle. Even without actively using the Belarusian language, Belarusians consider it to be their native one(63%). A range of other markers— from place of birth(62%) and citizenship (30%) to shared culture(42%) and love for the country(34%)— help people recognize“their own” and feel part of the community. 4 These and some other data and conclusions in this section are drawn from previous waves of our study. 5 Participants perceive this trait as positive, though not without a downside. In their view, peacefulness turns into excessive“ tolerance”: slowness, obedience, and at times disengagement from public processes. In other words, the value of peace is so great that it discourages fighting for it. Four variants of Belarusianness 5