Belarus: Do No Harm
Requirements for the External Promotion of Democracy
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Foreign promoters of democracy have promoted the establishment of a pseudo-opposition in Belarus. This is oriented not towards the population’s needs, but towards the financial donors’ ideas. A lack of analysis of the effects of this activity, hierarchical mechanisms of decision-making and the orientation towards pseudo-successes have estranged the opposition from the population. This is one cause for the failure of the country’s democratic awakening. In order to achieve lasting effects, the promotion of democracy from abroad requires a more modest, cautious and self-reflective style. In addition, the lessons of non-violent action should be considered more frequently.
(Osteuropa 1/2007, pp. 35–48)