Hate Speech in the Media Discourse of Belarus After the 2020 Presidential Election
Hate Speech in the Media Discourse of Belarus After the 2020 Presidential Election

Summary/Abstract: The subject of this paper is an analysis of the use of hate speech in themedia discourse of Belarus in the context of social polarisation against the backdrop ofa political crisis after the presidential election in 2020. The authors consider the conceptof hate speech, referring to various approaches to its interpretation. The widespread use ofhate speech reflects deep internal contradictions within the Belarusian society and a splitbased on different values. The study analysed the contents of some Belarusian Internetmedia, TV channels, and social media, which utilised techniques such as the denigration,dehumanisation, or marginalisation of certain groups or individuals. Researchers payspecial attention to the different directions in which hate speech is used, distinguishingbetween domestic and foreign political contexts. In the domestic political context, hatespeech in Belarus has heightened social instability and polarised the society. In contrast, inthe foreign political context, hate speech has worked to construct the image of an externalenemy, serving as a tool aimed at consolidating the Belarusian society and mobilising it against external threats. The political crisis specifically served as a catalyst for socialtension within the society, leading to the active use of hate speech. Aimed at incitinghatred and intolerance, such materials pose a potential threat to public safety and socialstability in the Belarusian society.

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