“BETWEEN THE WEST AND THE EAST”: THE BELARUSSIAN NATIONAL IDEA IN CURRENT ACADEMIC DISCUSSION

The article aims to systematize the current academic discussion about essential elements of idea Belarusian nation. Within framework analysis, author identifies "semantic baskets", based on which he divides controversy into theoretical schools and thematic clusters. designated semantic baskets are identified attitude language issue culture, history historical memory, interpretation nation, territory, sovereignty. concludes that this is represented by three – nativists, “Moscow Project” neo-constructivists. Nativists emphasize importance ethnic element in foundation "Moscow Project" ideology pan-Slavism, highlighting bilingualism as a natural state Belarusians well Soviet period with invaluable experience state-building. Finally, concept “third way” neo-constructivism, ideas reduced building nation civil one. constructed allows us analyze national policy Republic Belarus, approaches definition “Belarusian nation” public discussion.