Framing state action: diverging narratives of Polish NGOs in the Poland-Belarus border crisis

Abstract

In recent years, the Eastern flank of the EU has been exposed to hybrid threats not only from Russia but also from Belarus. The border crisis orchestrated by the Belarusian regime has been at the centre of attention, primarily focusing on the dominant state-led narratives. The role of non-governmental organisations as discursive actors in the context of hybrid warfare is often overlooked in the existing rich body of literature. In order to fill this gap, this thesis attempts to critically examine the role of Polish NGOs in shaping public narratives. Employing critical discourse analysis of official NGO reports, the study explores how these organisations frame the responsibility shared by the Polish and Belarusian governments. The analysis reveals a notable pattern, where most of the NGOs’ criticism is directed towards Poland. By constructing a narrative where both the aggressor and victim countries of the hybrid warfare are equally responsible for the crisis, NGOs challenge the state-led securitisation of migration. Thus, operating not only as humanitarian actors, but also as counter-securitising voices. The findings support the argument of the “blurring” character of hybrid warfare, wherein different actors create their own fitting narratives. These narratives reveal the clash between different points of view on border security, protection of human rights, politics and ethical dilemmas that arise when humanitarian and legal obligations stand in the way of national security.