The Center for New Ideas has published its latest annual study on how Belarus is represented in the global information space. This year’s monitoring is based on the analysis of 8,694 articles published in 37 influential media outlets across 10 countries throughout 2025.
The key finding of the analysis is that the international narrative surrounding Belarus is becoming increasingly one-sided and simplified. Foreign journalists rarely view the country as an independent actor: its image is firmly tied to regional security, confrontation with the West, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Key media trends in 2025:
- Global politics became the primary framework for mentioning the country, accounting for 27% of all materials.
- 13% of the publications were related in one way or another to the military actions in Ukraine.
- Topics concerning Belarusian culture, social life, and the daily lives of ordinary citizens have virtually dropped off the agenda of foreign media.
The researchers emphasize that in the global press, Belarus is predominantly portrayed through three troubling images: an “ally of Russia,” a “source of threat,” and a “space of repression.”
At the same time, journalists focus heavily on the regime and law enforcement agencies, meaning official structures are mentioned significantly more often than democratic forces, human rights defenders, or independent media. As a result, foreign readers may get the impression that Belarus is a “system without a society.”
Among the few topics mentioned in a neutral or positive light, sports stand out (primarily due to Aryna Sabalenka’s performances). When it came to other Belarusian figures and organizations, the media most frequently covered the Viasna Human Rights Center, Maria Kalesnikava, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, and Ales Bialiatski, as well as the work of independent Belarusian media.
Special attention in the report is paid to how the global community perceives Belarusians themselves. Two main representations dominate here: either a neutral description of citizens, or their portrayal as victims and hostages of their own regime.
In the full version of the study, you will also find:
- A detailed analysis of mentions of Alexander Lukashenko and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya;
- A list of the main news hooks and events that shaped the international agenda;
- A comparison of how the coverage of Belarusian topics differs across various countries.
Download the full report
Image of Belarus Abroad: Monitoring of Foreign Media in 2025 (PDF)
The views expressed in this material are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Ideas Bank team.
