Andrei is a dissenter. He resigned from the Belarusian government in 1996 in protest of the growing authoritarianism of President Alexander Lukashenko. In 2010, he dared to run for President of Belarus against Lukashenko.
From our experiences, we have learned that when it comes to defending democracy, whistleblowers can pay with their careers, but dissidents often pay with their lives.
In Sikandar’s case, independent media searched for the truth and was called by the Congress
bear witnesswhile she suffers
Professional ResultThe government never imprisoned or threatened his life.
In the case of Andrei, Lukashenko made him
detained and tortured, He
was beaten, refused medical care and pressured to kill himself. Andrei was alone
released After more than a year in prison when the coordinated sanctions of the European Union and the US have become too much for Lukashenko’s regime to bear. (Although Lukashenko has not commented on Andrei’s case, in a 2012 interview in which he declared himself a dictator, he
denied Claims to hold political prisoners.)
Although whistleblowers and dissidents play an important role as truth-seekers within society, our stories exemplify the grim reality that we cannot effect change without additional support. Simply put, whistleblowers and dissidents can act as catalysts for change, but it is the wider public that can change the course of history.
In America, that knowledge and belief ebb and flow. During moments of widespread grassroots mobilization and public outcry – including Black Lives Matter
to opposemarch for our lives
to opposeMILF Women’s March
to oppose, as well as the historical voting percentage
2018 midterm elections And
2020 presidential election The public has insisted on systemic reforms in American democracy.
One important thing to remember in this discussion is that these democratic demonstrations took place in America.
largely peacefulIn the US, protesters and grassroots organizations are usually not suppressed forcibly, and movements are allowed to grow organically. Like Sikandar, people can generally speak out against injustice without fear of government action.
It has been an important element of the ongoing fight against undemocratic forces, as well as a key feature of the American system, which has been resilient and resilient in responding to the will of the people in times of turmoil.
But the risk of a political meltdown after the departure of former President Donald Trump is not something that should be written off. Trump Has a Significant Influence on the Republican Party – and Trumpism Undoubtedly Will
be on the ballot During the 2022 mid-term elections.
American complacency has both short-term and long-term consequences. While in the short term, some supporters of the “Big Lie” may win elected office, the significant danger lies in long-term trends – namely the incremental replacement of more traditional politicians with Trumpian populists and conspiracy theorists.
Three years from now, Trump could be the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election, declaring another close electoral defeat. But this time he may have the backing of enough state Republican officials to comply with his demands to reverse the unfavorable election results.
We cannot simply address these issues once they become a reality, as was the case during the boom of citizen activism under the Trump presidency. We must now be proactive in stopping authoritarianism.
In Belarus, on the contrary, the most brutal forms of authoritarianism are already a fact of life. The protest is met with violence. Under the repressive Lukashenko regime, the last vestiges of democratic institutions within civil society are
the destruction, and the opposition is active
suppressed,
Like Andrei,
hundreds of thousands Belarusians oppose an end to the authoritarian excesses of the Lukashenko regime and a move to democracy. Yet his bravery and
sacrifice are not sufficient. Protesters have been under maximum pressure for years and need more outside support to be successful.
Western governments have the tools and resources to pressure Lukashenko and his officials. These governments can increase the cost of suppressing Lukashenko
strict restrictions Imposing Governance’s Capacity to Abuse Interpol
Excessive sanctions,
Improve Global Magnitsky sanctions for human rights violations or targeting oligarchs whose networks of corruption support the Kremlin and, by proxy, the Belarusian dictatorship. While this may not be enough to compel Lukashenko to negotiate with the opposition, it would demonstrate solidarity with pro-democracy forces, indicating that Lukashenko’s regime will face consequences if they act with impunity. We do. We do.
are something like
The European Union, says that changes in Belarus have to come from within. But the push for change in Belarus is coming from within. To bring about truly democratic reform, Belarusians will need the collective action of other Westerners committed to the values and principles of basic human rights and freedom.
The United States may take the lead on this, as it has already accomplished a
indispensable role On the international stage as a defender, sponsor and promoter of democracy. It can play an important role in strengthening Belarusian civil society by providing material and ideological support to the pro-democracy elements of the country.
Given the current situation in Belarus, it may be a prudent approach to provide financial, rhetorical and organizational support to the leaders of the pro-democracy movement beyond the country’s borders. Important figures such as Andrei, and organizations continue to strengthen and empower Belarusian civil society even in exile. They facilitate a platform for the Belarusian opposition to offer hope for the future and a democratic alternative to the illegitimate Lukashenko regime.
It is dangerous and irresponsible to believe that in regions of the world where democracy is still struggling to gain a foothold, America may abdicate its duties as leader of the free world. Belarusians, along with countless others, look to America to set an example and strive for an ideal value. American values and interests demand the defense of democracy at home and abroad.
While the US and Belarus are different worlds, the Belarusian experience offers a frightening window into a world without basic freedoms. Trust us when we say, American democracy is worth defending, lest it resemble anything close to Belarus.