Telegram, communautés de voisinage et reconfiguration du politique dans le mouvement protestataire au Bélarus

Abstract

This article analyzes the effect of digital social networks, Telegram in particular, on reconfiguring politics in Belarus following the August 2020 presidential elections. Based on field research conducted in neighborhood communities, both real and virtual, that emerged in mobilizations called Place of Changes following the elections, it shows how Telegram contributed to the creation of this group in the absence of strong pre-existing social ties and helped its members to self-organize to act together. It also highlights the role of Telegram in politicizing the members of this community, showing how it helped transform novices of collective action into experienced protesters. Finally, it looks at the limits of Telegram in the face of state repression.

Keywords

• social networks
• Protest mobilization
• Telegram
• neighborhood communities
• Belarus