Belarus Digest is engaged in research and outreach activities to facilitate well-informed Belarus-related policy making. Its contributors are based in Western Europe, North America and Belarus and actively cooperate with other organisations working on Belarus-related matters. Belarus Digest offers a platform for presenting analysis in a concise and easily digestible form.
First, Belarus Digest is focused solely on Belarus. In addition to being experts on Belarus, most of Belarus Digest’s authors are specialists in their respective areas, such as economics, law or politics. Nearly all authors come from or are based in Belarus and speak Belarusian and Russian as their native languages. The team also includes native English and German speakers.
Second, Belarus Digest speaks your language. Very often policy papers and analysis on Belarus suffer from one of two problems. If prepared by local Belarusian experts – the substance is good, but any presentation to English-speaking readers is often inadequate. If prepared by Western experts the texts will be professionally presented, but the substance may be diminished by a lack of the local knowledge and the influence of Belarus-related myths. Belarus Digest authors are able to tackle these problems easily because they have first hand local knowledge and can present information in a way that is expected in Western media.
Finally, Belarus Digest is non-partisan and offers a fresh perspective. Rather than exploiting the old Belarus-related myths or looking at the country through the lenses of the Belarusian government or Belarusian opposition, Moscow or Washington, it takes a non-partisan approach. Although not backing any particular political force or ideology, Belarus Digest’s authors share a commitment to Belarus’ independence and respect for human rights.
First, Belarus Digest welcomes press enquiries and speaking engagements on Belarus-related topics. Our authors regularly appear on television and radio and give comments for print and Internet media.
Second, through proposals to prepare research and publications on Belarus-related topics for non-governmental organisations, international organizations, governments and commercial organisations. Its research benefits from contact with other Belarusian experts, NGOs, think tanks and other groups and organisations. Research will also benefit from the Belarus Digest’s team’s knowledge and ability to present information in a non-partisan and clear fashion.
Third, Belarus Digest is open to being a platform for organising conferences, workshops and training on Belarus-related issues. Most of our authors have teaching experience as well as experience organising workshops for officials, journalists and academics. These can be conducted in English, Belarusian or Russian.