Why is state media promoting militarization? / Fair elections: are they possible in the USA? / How and why state media discredit NGOs?

Media IQ, an independent group of experts based in Warsaw, specializes in analyzing Belarusian media content. The goal of the work is to identify disinformation and false narratives used by the Lukashenka regime for manipulation. In July 2024, the project team identified several significant trends:

*Militarization as a key summer propaganda narrative

*Manipulation of information about the U.S. elections by the state media

*Media attack on NGOs to discredit them

1) The government is preparing the public for war. Why is state media promoting militarization?

Belarusian state media have increasingly exploited military themes, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. By invoking World War II and its victory over Nazism, the media seeks to position Lukashenka’s regime as the rightful successor of the victors, while casting the opposition (democratic forces) as «heirs of collaborators.» Recent and significant events, such as Ukraine’s Maidan, are also used by state media to justify the authorities’ actions, portraying even the most extreme measures as necessary to «protect» the people from upheaval.

The war has simplified the situation by reducing the conflict to a stark «us» versus «them» narrative, which the regime uses to justify increased pressure on the population and restrictions on freedoms. This heightened military rhetoric aligns with the regime’s growing authoritarian tendencies, including the destruction of independent media and NGOs, as well as widespread repression. State-controlled national TV channels and press further reinforce this discourse, using it to legitimize militarization and repression. The war between Russia and Ukraine is portrayed as inevitable, as is Belarus’s involvement in it. However, the narrative suggests that only continued militarization can prevent combat from spilling onto Belarusian territory.

A key element is that pro-government media in Belarus promote «violence for the greater good,» along with patriarchal values and a cult of victory, using rhetoric similar to that of Russia. These values are invoked to justify breaking laws and violating human rights under the pretext of pursuing «higher goals.» Xenophobia and hate speech are employed to discredit not only the opposition and minorities but anyone who opposes the regime. For example, Natalia Kachanava, chair of the Council of the Republic and the second most powerful figure in the state, labeled LGBT people as «deviants,» further deepening societal divisions. Meanwhile, Lukashenka, in his comments on sports victories, refers to them as «heroic acts for the people» and encourages athletes to «pummel» their opponents to showcase Belarus’s strength.

Militarization in Belarusian media serves to bolster the regime and portray the West and the opposition as enemies. State media employ military rhetoric to promote values of violence and xenophobia, aiming to rally support around the regime.

2) Belarusian state media claim that fair elections are impossible in the USA

Belarusian state media exploit the US elections to support the regime’s worldview and push favorable narratives. They do so by distorting facts and mistranslating information, intentionally misleading the public. For example, in early July, well before Joe Biden had even announced his decision not to run, the CTV channel falsely reported that the US President was facing impeachment. They further unjustifiably claimed that over 70% of Americans opposed Biden’s candidacy due to health concerns. Similar narratives were spread by the ONT and Belarus 1 channels.

To reinforce these fabricated stories, Trump’s words were also manipulated. For instance, translations of Trump’s speeches and NBC analysts were falsified to foster anti-Ukrainian and anti-American sentiments among the Belarusian audience. Interestingly, Belarusian state media portray Trump as a victim of political persecution. In the distorted version, Trump allegedly says that Ukraine is not winning the war, losing soldiers and cities because of Biden’s “stupid decisions.” In the original, however, he does not criticize Ukraine and Zelensky, but focuses on the fact that the war should not have started and that Biden is giving huge sums to Ukraine.

Why was this strategy chosen? The answer lies in the Belarusian state media’s use of the US election campaign to discredit democracy. In this context, Lukashenka’s domestic policies are actively defended and cast in a positive light. By misrepresenting facts, mistranslating statements, and taking phrases out of context, journalists craft a narrative that serves the regime, intensifies anti-American sentiment, and undermines trust in democratic institutions.

3) The “common new enemy” of the Lukashenka’s regime. How and why state media discredit NGOs?

State-controlled media have launched a concerted campaign to discredit non-governmental organizations (NGOs), framing them as «agents of collective West», having the “Collective West” as Belarus’s primary enemy. They label NGOs as «Western agents» working against the state, portraying their staff as enemies and members of a «subversive network» funded by the West.

But not all NGOs are ‘bad’. In contrast, state media praise government-aligned NGOs, positioning them as patriots restoring the country. To drive this narrative, state-controlled journalists distort facts and politicize NGO activities. They use ridicule and dehumanization, employing derogatory terms and insults to create a negative image of western NGOs and tarnish their reputation. For instance, Andrei Mukovozchik, a columnist for the leading state newspaper «SB. Belarus Today,» refers to NGO representatives as «weeds» and «parasites.» Meanwhile, Nikolai Cherginets, a member of the Council of the Republic, advocates shutting down these organizations, dismissing their value.

State-controlled media do not shy away from calling for the destruction of NGOs and their staff. Pro-government media representatives openly declare the need to eliminate these «subversive» organizations and threaten their leaders. The regime is deliberately following this path, willing to sacrifice essential social functions to eradicate dissent within society. This repression is routinely justified as a fight against «external enemies.»

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