Memory Laws and Historical Justice: The Politics of Criminalizing the Past

The book explores how governments use memory laws to shape public memory of past atrocities in the service of nationalist politics, tracing the spread of memory laws from Western Europe to countries around the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of state efforts to shape the public memory of past atrocities, driven by nationalist politics. Initially rooted in confronting denialism surrounding the Holocaust, this political engagement with the duty to remember has expanded far beyond its initial scope. It has become a highly contentious issue in numerous countries, sparking debates about historical memory, identity politics, and the boundaries of free speech. By examining the politics of memory laws, this volume sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of the broader legal discussions surrounding this phenomenon. It traces the global spread of memory laws, originating in Western Europe and subsequently being adopted by nations worldwide. Through vivid illustrations, the book showcases how memory laws have become a powerful tool in the hands of governments with a nationalist, majoritarian perspective. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting how countries transitioning from pluralism to majoritarianism often employ memory laws as a precursor to increasingly repressive and nationalist tendencies. This book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between state power, historical narratives, and the construction of collective identities, contributing to our understanding of the ongoing challenges and complexities associated with preserving and confronting the past.

This book explores the intricate dynamics of state efforts to shape the public memory of past atrocities, driven by nationalist politics. Initially rooted in confronting denialism surrounding the Holocaust, this political engagement with the duty to remember has expanded far beyond its initial scope. It has become a highly contentious issue in numerous countries, sparking debates about historical memory, identity politics, and the boundaries of free speech. By examining the politics of memory laws, this volume sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of the broader legal discussions surrounding this phenomenon. It traces the global spread of memory laws, originating in Western Europe and subsequently being adopted by nations worldwide. Through vivid illustrations, the book showcases how memory laws have become a powerful tool in the hands of governments with a nationalist, majoritarian perspective. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting how countries transitioning from pluralism to majoritarianism often employ memory laws as a precursor to increasingly repressive and nationalist tendencies. This book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between state power, historical narratives, and the construction of collective identities, contributing to our understanding of the ongoing challenges and complexities associated with preserving and confronting the past.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030949136
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022