Memory Crash: Politics of History in and Around Ukraine, 1980s-2010s

Georgiy Kasianov's account of historical politics in Ukraine highlights how social, political, and cultural groups have used and misused the past from the final years of the Soviet Union to 2020 for political purposes. He identifies the main political purposes of these practices in the construction of nation and identity, struggles for power, warfare, and international relations. Kasianov considers the Ukrainian case in the context of a global increase in the politics of history and memory, with particular emphasis on a distinctive East-European variety.

Format: Hardback
Length: 422 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Central European University Press

This account of historical politics in Ukraine, set within a broader European context, delves into the intricate ways in which social, political, and cultural groups have employed and manipulated the past, spanning from the final years of the Soviet Union to 2020. Georgiy Kasianov meticulously explores the practices surrounding history and memory, encompassing a diverse range of actors such as state institutions, non-governmental organizations, political parties, historians, and local governments. Through his detailed analysis, Kasianov identifies the primary political objectives behind these practices, which revolve around the construction of nation and identity, power struggles, warfare, and international relations.

Kasianov contextualizes the Ukrainian case within the broader landscape of a global surge in the politics of history and memory, with a particular focus on the distinctive East-European variant. He delves into the intricate dynamics of history's utilization and abuse in the relationships between Ukraine, Russia, and Poland, shedding light on the complex interplay of historical narratives and their impact on shaping political landscapes.

This comprehensive account offers a profound understanding of the complex tapestry of historical politics in Ukraine, shedding light on the ways in which the past has been used as a tool for political gain, identity construction, and international relations. Kasianov's insightful analysis provides valuable insights into the dynamics of historical memory and its implications for the future of Ukraine and the broader region.

Weight: 692g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633863800