Nestled between Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, Belarus is a virtually unknown nation to much of the world. After 70 years as part of the USSR, it gained its independence in 1991. Politically it has remained essentially a one-ruler state since the first presidential elections of 1994. Despite its political isolation, Belarus is possessed of a vital independent culture and a people whose patience and endurance through centuries of war and change has given them a unique view on the world and connection to each other.
Cultural Detective Belarus will open your eyes to the core values of a people rich in history, culture and art, to a flat land of agriculture and industry, to a people who have absorbed the unspeakable pain of World War II and the scalding tragedy of Chernobyl with endurance and determination, a people above all dedicated to taking care of each other and those who come their way—as the Belarusian proverb runs, "One without a friend is like food without salt!"
Cultural Detective Belarus contains the following stories and critical incidents:
- Shaping the Program:
Belarusians find the program proposed by Swedish academics to be too light.
- When is Easter?:
Polish organizers of a professional meeting fail repeatedly to respect the Russian Orthodox calendar used in Belarus.
- Wedding Cake, The:
A Belarusian artisan gives away her work rather than selling it.
- Planning a Round Table:
US and Belarusian colleagues differ on planning timetables.
- Happy Dragon Trading Company:
Belarusian partners in a Chinese-owned company distrust their Chinese owner.
- Household Furnishings:
A Swedish home furnishings representative fails to connect with potential business partners in Belarus.
- Making Tea:
A Belarusian student feels insulted during a summer job in Germany.
Cultural Detective Belarus was authored by Elena Korshuk, George Simons and Dianne Hofner Saphiere.