Becoming Post-Communist: Jews And The New Political Cultures Of Russia And Eastern Europe

The closing decade of the 20th century saw significant upheavals in East European countries, leading to the overthrow of Communist governments and the fall of the USSR. This led to a major Jewish emigration movement and raised important questions about the politics of memory, national identity, and regime stability. The experts contributing to this volume apply interdisciplinary approaches to analyze and interpret post-communist social realities and aid our understanding of recent events.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The final decade of the 20th century was a period of immense upheaval that profoundly impacted the landscapes once home to the majority of the world's Jewish population. This period saw the collapse of East European Communist governments and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, accompanied by a significant Jewish emigration movement. The legacy of the Jewish presence in these countries, as well as the ways in which it became intertwined with the region's people, both Jews and non-Jews, in their pursuit of security and stability, raises fundamental questions about the politics of memory, national identity, and the relative resilience of regimes in the region. These issues assumed even greater significance in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In a context characterized by competing narratives, social and political reconstruction becomes a primary concern for individuals and governments alike. The experts contributing to this volume employ interdisciplinary approaches to analyze and interpret a diverse range of post-communist social realities, aiming to enhance our understanding of recent events.

The collapse of the East European Communist governments and the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s marked a significant turning point in world history. These events not only brought an end to decades of political repression and economic stagnation but also led to the displacement of millions of people and the emergence of new political and economic systems. One of the most significant consequences of these changes was the emergence of a new Jewish diaspora.

Prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union, most Jews in Eastern Europe lived within the borders of the Soviet Union. However, with the dissolution of the USSR, many Jews were able to leave the country and immigrate to other parts of the world. This emigration was driven by a variety of factors, including political persecution, economic hardship, and a desire for greater freedom and opportunity.

The Jewish diaspora that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union was diverse and complex. It included Jews from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, including those who had been persecuted by the ***** during World War II, as well as those who had never lived under Communist rule. The diaspora also included a significant number of Jews who had left the Soviet Union for political reasons, including those who were opposed to the Soviet government's policies and practices.

The Jewish diaspora that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union had a profound impact on the world. It contributed to the growth of Jewish communities in many parts of the world, including the United States, Israel, and Europe. It also played a role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of these communities.

One of the most significant impacts of the Jewish diaspora was its contribution to the growth of Jewish culture and identity. The diaspora provided a platform for Jews to connect with their heritage and culture, and to share their experiences with others. It also helped to promote a greater understanding of Jewish history and culture, and to combat anti-Semitism and prejudice.

The Jewish diaspora also played a role in shaping the political and economic landscape of many countries. It contributed to the growth of the high-tech industry in Israel, and played a significant role in the development of the financial industry in the United States. It also provided a source of talent and expertise for many companies and organizations around the world.

However, the Jewish diaspora also faced a number of challenges. One of the most significant was the issue of assimilation. Many Jews who immigrated to other countries faced pressure to assimilate into their host communities, and to abandon their Jewish identity. This was particularly true in countries where Jewish communities were already established and well-integrated.

Another challenge was the issue of anti-Semitism. Despite the growth of Jewish communities and the increased understanding of Jewish culture and history, anti-Semitism continued to be a problem in many parts of the world. This was particularly true in Europe, where anti-Semitic attitudes and behaviors had a long history.

Despite these challenges, the Jewish diaspora has continued to thrive and grow. It has played a significant role in shaping the world's political and cultural landscape, and has contributed to the growth of Jewish culture and identity. The diaspora has also provided a source of talent and expertise for many companies and organizations around the world.

In conclusion, the collapse of the East European Communist governments and the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s marked a significant turning point in world history. This period led to the emergence of a new Jewish diaspora, which had a profound impact on the world. The diaspora contributed to the growth of Jewish culture and identity, shaped the political and economic landscape of many countries, and faced a number of challenges. Despite these challenges, the Jewish diaspora has continued to thrive and grow, and has played a significant role in shaping the world's political and cultural landscape.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197687215