Characteristics of the “old” and “new” Belarusan diasporas

The Belarusian diaspora has experienced a profound transformation over the past five years, marked by significant demographic shifts and structural changes. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have emigrated, leading to the emergence of a substantial diaspora community abroad. This exodus has been particularly pronounced among individuals associated with the country's independent media, civil society, and business sectors.

This study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the contemporary state of the Belarusian diaspora. Through in-depth interviews with 30 diaspora members and a comprehensive Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) survey, this research aims to identify and analyze key differences between two distinct groups within the diaspora: those who emigrated before and after the pivotal year of 2020. By examining factors such as motivations for emigration, challenges faced abroad, and political and social engagement levels, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the Belarusian diaspora's evolving identity, experiences, and aspirations.