Protest Communications in Belarus After the 2020 Presidential Election: Means and Their Effectiveness

The purpose of the research is to study modern means of communication during protests, as well as to analyze their effects on the example of Belarus. The research methodology consists in the application of such general scientific methods as synthesis, analysis, generalization, comparison, which allowed to explore the features, problems, and possibilities of using traditional and modern means of communication during political protests. The scientific novelty of the work is that the article summarizes the knowledge about the specifics of the use of traditional and modern protest communication tools in modern conditions. The author carried out the analysis of communication tools efficiency on the example of Belarus. It is concluded that the latest online tools in modern protest communications play a key role because even traditional means, such as protests, are coordinated through messengers and social networks. At the same time, traditional means do not lose their relevance, as the protest effectiveness without their use would be low. Therefore, a successful combination of traditional and modern means, offline and online communications, provides the best results of the protest. Regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of communication means used by the protesters in Belarus, it is worth noting their effectiveness, although the main goal – a change of government – has not been achieved. This is explained by several circumstances, in particular, the epidemiological situation, the rapid reaction of O. Lukashenko's team, and the work of the entire state apparatus, law enforcement agencies to curb the protest wave. The self-proclaimed president also takes symmetrical measures against the opposition, organizes pro-government rallies, mobilizes his supporters, and relies on the power bloc. Consequently, it can be stated that the struggle between the authorities and the protesters will continue, and the final victory will depend on the ability to respond quickly to domestic and external events, to use available resources, in particular, to organize effective information and communication campaigns