Communist Ghosts: Post-Communist Thresholds, Critical Aesthetics and the Undoing of Modern Europe

This book explores post-communist thresholds as materializations of a crisis of modern European identity caused by the existence and breakdown of Soviet-type communism. It finds ways of speaking and thinking through art projects that engage with the psychosocial fabric of these thresholds, asking what we can say about other or new worlds, new beginnings, and endings, and decolonial and ethical ways of relating to the other.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the profound and multifaceted phenomenon of post-communist thresholds, unveiling them as tangible manifestations of a profound crisis that has shaken the very foundations of modern European identity. The author skillfully explores how these transitional spaces emerge, where remnants of the communist era continue to disrupt the routines and rhythms of contemporary life, forcing Europeans to confront the cultural, emotional, and material realities of the "enlightened world" they often strive to repress or ignore. Through art projects that engage with the psychosocial fabric of these post-communist thresholds, the book offers innovative ways of speaking and thinking through these ephemeral and paradoxical sites. It poses thought-provoking questions about other worlds, new beginnings, endings, and decolonial and ethical approaches to engaging with the other in assessing the current state of European modernity from within its liminal and crisis-driven sphere.

The book's exploration is rooted in a deep understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of post-communist transitions. It acknowledges that these thresholds are not mere geographical or political markers, but rather sites of profound cultural, social, and psychological transformation. The author highlights how the collapse of Soviet-type communism left a lasting impact on the psyche of Europe, shaping its collective memory, values, and beliefs. As a result, post-communist thresholds become spaces where the remnants of the communist experience continue to intermingle with the aspirations and desires of modern European societies.

One of the key themes of the book is the ways in which post-communist thresholds challenge the dominant narratives of European modernity. The author argues that the sudden collapse of communism led to a widespread belief in the superiority of Western capitalist systems and the notion that they were the inevitable path to progress and prosperity. However, the book challenges this narrative by highlighting the complexities and contradictions within European societies. It shows how post-communist thresholds provide a space for alternative perspectives and voices to be heard, challenging the hegemony of Western ideologies and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the world.

Another important aspect of the book is its exploration of the emotional and psychological impact of post-communist thresholds. The author recognizes that these spaces are not merely physical spaces, but also emotional and psychological landscapes that require careful navigation. The book explores how individuals and communities navigate the emotional fallout of the collapse of communism, including feelings of loss, nostalgia, and disorientation. It also examines how these spaces can serve as sites of healing and reconciliation, allowing individuals to come to terms with their past and build a more inclusive and democratic future.

Through its engaging and thought-provoking analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of post-communist transitions. It sheds light on the ways in which these spaces shape the identities of individuals and communities, as well as the broader political and social landscape of Europe. The book also provides a critical framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities that arise in the aftermath of crises, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and empathy in navigating the uncertain waters of change.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the study of post-communist transitions, modern European identity, and the complexities of global interconnectedness. It offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities that arise in the aftermath of crises, providing a valuable contribution to the field of social sciences.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030837297
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021