A RETROSPECTIVE OF THE KEY NARRATIVES OF STATE PROPAGANDA IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS DURING THE PRESIDENCY OF ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the conceptual and practical aspects of state propaganda in the Republic of Belarus during the presidency of Alexander Lukashenko. The research is grounded in an integrative methodological framework that combines classical theories of political communication with contemporary approaches to the securitization of the informational sphere, thereby elucidating the evolution of legitimizing narratives in response to shifting political, social, and economic conditions. Key narratives examined include «Father of the Nation», «Guarantee of Stability and Order», «Fighter Against External Threats», «Indispensable Manager», «Expert in All Fields», «Leader in the Fight Against Corruption and Oligarchs», and «Last Defender of Soviet Moral Values», which collectively contribute to constructing the image of a «people’s» leader and consolidating control over public consciousness. The study notes that in the early 1990s, Lukashenko’s political course differed significantly from the current reality in Belarus. It was during this period that his political career gained its first momentum: in 1990, he was elected a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the Byelorussian SSR. As a member of parliament, Lukashenko openly criticised the ruling regime, focusing on the authoritarian traits of the leadership and the preservation of communist ideology. During Lukashenko’s rule, a number of key narratives were formed that contributed to the legitimisation of his power, combining both traditional and innovative elements of state propaganda. Particular attention is devoted to exploring the instruments and channels of dissemination – such as state media, the educational system, mass cultural events, and the administrative apparatus – which serve as the primary mechanisms for mobilizing the population. Sociological evidence indicates that despite the high consumption of official information, a gradual decline in trust toward state media has contributed to the emergence of protest sentiments, thereby confirming the adaptive and transformative character of propaganda strategies in the contemporary context. The findings bear significant practical implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying the formation of political consciousness and ensuring information security amid a dynamic political landscape.