Politics of Memory and Oblivion in the European Context: Critical Perspectives

This book explores the complex relationship between politics of memory and oblivion in European countries in the 20th and early 21st centuries, examining how the past is used as a selective reference point for contemporary political goals. It offers critical perspectives on how institutions shape cultural memory, power relations, and identity projects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 114 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate interplay between politics of memory and oblivion in European countries during the 20th and early 21st centuries, while also providing a rich cultural, political, and institutional backdrop to these phenomena. It explores the deliberate use of the past as a tool to either reactivate or disregard memories, serving as selective reference points for promoting and legitimizing contemporary political goals. The chapters in this volume bring together theoretical discussions on the interconnectedness of remembrance and purposeful oblivion as active processes that serve specific interests and ideologies in the present. By examining the diverse meanings assigned to practices of memory, the contributions offer fresh perspectives on how institutions shape cultural memory, power relations, and identity projects.

Politics of Memory and Oblivion in the European Context: Critical Perspectives will appeal to scholars and graduate students specializing in memory studies, heritage studies, cultural studies, history, and political science. These individuals are particularly interested in exploring the legacies of violent and traumatic pasts, post-colonial contexts, societal transitions, and reconciliation. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal, European Politics and Society.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 174 x 247 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032138954