Journal of Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics and S - Russian Foreign Policy Towards the "Near Abroad", Vol. 5, No. 2 (2019)

This issue focuses on the palimpsest-like environments of East-Central European borderland cities, which derive from cultural continuities and political ruptures, present-day heritage industries, and collective memories about the contentious past. The contributors address key questions about the transnationalization of memory and the political rationales and ramifications of different approaches to the legacies of perished population groups.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon

This issue delves into the intricate tapestry of East-Central European borderland cities, where the past and present collide in a fascinating palimpsest-like manner. The present-day contours and contents of these urban landscapes are the result of a complex interplay of cultural continuities, political ruptures, contemporary heritage industries, and collective memories of a contentious past. Human actors employ expressive material forms and less conspicuous meaning-making activities to shape these environments, constantly navigating the perpetual tensions between the choices of the present and the weight of the past.

Contributors to this insightful publication address a series of critical questions. They explore the unique aspects of transnational memory in these urban public spaces, examining the political rationales and implications of different approaches to the legacies of perished population groups across various cities. They also examine how these approaches align with European dimensions of memory and the European vector of identity-making among contemporary urban populations.

The contributors shed light on the diverse ways in which these cities commemorate and honor the memories of their past, from public monuments and memorials to cultural festivals and artistic endeavors. They analyze the ways in which these commemorations shape public discourse, influence social cohesion, and contribute to the construction of collective identities.

Furthermore, the issue delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the transnationalization of memory in these urban contexts. It explores the ways in which different populations engage with the shared history of the region, including the ways in which they negotiate differences, foster intercultural understanding, and contribute to the promotion of a shared European identity.

In conclusion, this issue offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics of diversity and memory in East-Central European cityscapes. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which cultural heritage, political dynamics, and collective memories shape the urban landscape, and it highlights the important role that these cities play in shaping the European narrative of identity and memory.

Weight: 666g
ISBN-13: 9783838213569