Den belarusiske autoritarismens seiglivethet og debatten om lokalforvaltningen

Sammendrag

In the literature on authoritarian regimes, there is a growing recognition that authoritarianism is not necessarily a transitional phenomenon, but a form of government that is sustained by a multifaceted selection of instruments and therefore able to survive crises. In Belarus, populism and regular welfare deliveries contribute to the tenacity of the country’s authoritarianism. The sub-state level of governance is important as Belarusians’ welfare primarily is delivered at the local level. However, the local elected bodies play a minimal role, and it is in practice local departments of the central administration that make decisions locally. This manifestation of the centralism of Belarusian authoritarianism is not only challenged by the opposition in the country. Systemic publications also advocate for less central management of local politics and more power for the local, elected councils. This article presents the distinctive features of Belarusian authoritarianism and provides a detailed overview of the local level of governance in the country. The reform debate – both from the side of the regime and the opposition – is presented. The possible importance of the local level for the survival of Belarusian authoritarianism is discussed in the light of the literature on the resilience of authoritarian regimes.