Common Sense Prevails in a Changing Belarusian Society Conducting Independent Sociological Research under Authoritarianism 4 March 2021 Over 40 per cent of Belarusian respondents consider Russia as the main threat to the country’s territorial integrity. However, the slow but still noticeable evolution in Belarusians’ attitude towards their eastern neighbour has not yet moved into the realm of geopolitical preferences. Conducting independent sociological research is a complicated task under the Belarusian authoritarian system. When it comes to studying the political views of Belarusians, including the electoral preferences of Belarusian society, it is considered nearly impossible. Subscribe Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.