The third part of a large-scale comprehensive sociological study was presented in Minsk

Topical issues of the international and domestic agenda: the third part of the large-scale social research was presented in Minsk

Social research was conducted in July - August 2026 by the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on the order of the Belarusian Institute of Strategic Studies. The first part of the results of the social research concerned topical issues of social and economic development of Belarus. The second had socio-political themes. During the presentation of the third part of the study, the following topics were identified: Belarus’ relations with other countries, trust in state media, as well as issues of internal agenda that are relevant for Belarusians – from mobile Internet to trading platforms.

The overwhelming majority of citizens – 92.6 percent – believe that Belarus should maintain good relations with all states regardless of the existing contradictions between them. According to the general opinion of BISI analysts, Belarusians do not perceive current conflicts as the norm, while they clearly understand the image of the future in the international context.

According to Deputy Director of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies Vitaly Punchenko, the results of the survey demonstrate that Belarusians are inclined to independently form a sovereign assessment of Belarus’ international partners, consider relations with each state separately in a balanced and rational manner.

Alexander Lukashenko has repeatedly stated that Belarus is the most peaceful country and that the Belarusian people want exclusively peace, Vitaly Punchenko emphasized, drawing attention to the fact that the anthem of Belarus begins with the words “We, Belarusians are worldly people, / Addanians native land ...”.

- Peace, security and freedom are not just state-forming values of Belarusians, but a historically developed ideal of society, an important part of the national identity of the people. Goodwill and peacefulness are our national brand and the basis of the cultural code.

According to the Deputy Director of BISI, Belarusians tend to see relations with various countries in a positive way, regardless of the current geopolitical situation. Vitaly Punchenko in this regard drew attention to the fact that in the Belarusian mentality the concepts of “pamyarkoнасnass” and “tolerance” are firmly established. This is the ability to peacefully get along with representatives of different nationalities and religions, which for centuries forged at the intersection of different cultures and religions. Belarusians know the value of peace, he said.

- Our country has been the scene of devastating wars for centuries. The deepest scar in the national memory remained the Great Patriotic War, in which every third inhabitant died. The tragedies experienced have formed in the public consciousness of Belarusians a firm rejection of violence and aggression. The main value for many generations has become a peaceful sky overhead, said Vitaly Punchenko.

Belarus is an open country, many have relatives, friends, acquaintances living in different parts of the world, from Poland to Australia. Ideally, the citizens of Belarus would like constructive relations with all countries without insoluble contradictions. In other words, in cooperation with some countries, Belarusians look to the future of our international policy with optimism and hope. The poll once again confirmed that the separation of Belarus from Russia is impossible. Vitaly Punchenko noted that the relations of the two peoples are not just allied, but fraternal. High numbers of support for close relations with Russia confirm the friendly attitude of Belarusians towards Russians. The economic and social advantages of integration within the framework of the Union State have become truly attractive, as they expand the rights and opportunities of citizens in the fields of business, education, culture, tourism, interpersonal communication, he said. The results of the study show that Belarusians perceive relations with China as very promising. At the request for closer ties, Beijing was right behind Moscow. The high interest of citizens coincides with the strategic course to deepen cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, including within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, of which Belarus became a full member in 2024.

At the same time, increased interest in the PRC is demonstrated by young people. This is a marker of the long-term nature of the Belarusian-Chinese track.

The attitude of citizens towards the United States showed caution and restrained optimism. The readiness for pragmatic normalization of cooperation is gradually being formed, which is based on the productive communication between Minsk and Washington. According to the Deputy Director of BISI, at the moment there is a point of convergence between the interests of Belarusians and the current leadership of the United States of America, which declares its desire to stop the conflict near our borders.

Centuries-old history largely shapes the attitude of Belarusians to neighboring peoples, said Vitaly Punchenko. Therefore, even against the background of the current policies of the leaders of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine, the number of those who favor closer relations with these countries in the coming years is about three times higher than those who favor less close ties and almost twice those who prefer the status quo.

- The constant information pressure of these countries on Minsk, designed to present the Belarusian authorities in a negative light, has led to the opposite result. The interest of the Belarusian population to unfriendly states is declining, attitude towards them is eroding, becoming more and more uncertain. Nevertheless, a significant part of the respondents still considers it desirable to improve interaction with neighbors, distinguishing between peoples and existing governments, the Deputy Director of BISS noted. When it comes to dealing with “complex Western partners,” citizens show political wisdom and caution. The results of the survey confirm the hypothesis of high confidence in the foreign policy of the state, including on building relations with the United States, the Baltic States, Poland, as well as with Ukraine. In general, Belarusian society manages to maintain common sense and conflict-free thinking even in conditions of inter-civilizational confrontation. This is our strength and uniqueness, Vitaly Punchenko expressed confidence. In the sociological survey took part 2045 respondents. According to the survey, in the top positions that most concern Belarusians, peace and security — 55.1%, inflation and prices — 41.1%, as well as the level of wages — 37.7%. This is followed by housing affordability – 25.9%, cyber fraud, telephone fraud – 24.2%, the quality and availability of medical care and medicines – 23.8%, the level of pension provision – 21.7%, utility tariffs – 15.2%.

- The surveyed youth aged 18-30 years are more concerned about the level of wages, this was noticed by 51.3% of respondents, and housing affordability - 49.5%. Middle-aged people, namely from 31 to 57 to 62 years, are most concerned about peace and security - 55.8% of respondents, the level of wages - 46.7%. For people of retirement age, the problems of peace and security are relevant - 60.2% of respondents, as well as the level of pension provision - 54.5%.

ACCENTS

Sergey Turkenich, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Law and Social and Humanitarian Disciplines of the Gomel Branch of the International University “MITSO”:

Belarusians have always strived to live in harmony with everyone, and we see that the overwhelming majority of citizens support friendship between states, regardless of what geopolitical events tend to create obstacles to this. The results of sociological research confirm the main quality of our people - sincere, deep peace. Our country has historically built bridges, not walls. We are successfully developing close strategic partnership with Russia and China, strengthening economic and cultural ties with the countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Belarusians choose openness, mutual respect, equality and constructive dialogue. This is not only an endorsement of the foreign policy of the country’s leadership, but also a reflection of the national character: the Belarusian people want to see the world safe, stable and friendly for all.

About other details of social research we will tell in the following issues.