The Holocaust and Soviet War Crimes Trials in the Cold War Context: The 1964 Klaipeda War Crimes Trial

This book explores the Soviet war crimes trials of Holocaust perpetrators, their representation through media, and their reception in the context of the Cold War. It examines the 1964 Klaipėda trial in Soviet Lithuania through a microhistorical perspective, arguing that it was both an element of Soviet ideological propaganda and an alternative space for disclosing memories of the mass murder of Jews.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume seeks to provide a novel approach to assessing Soviet war crimes trials of Holocaust perpetrators, their representation through various media channels, and their reception within the context of the Cold War. By delving into the 1964 Klaipėda war crimes trial in Soviet Lithuania through a microhistorical lens, the book explores the historical backdrop of the "second wave" of Soviet justice in the 1960s. Its objective is to offer a comprehensive understanding of not only the initiation and investigation of this Soviet war crimes trial but also its portrayal in the courtroom and its dissemination through the media for public attention. The book argues that these war crimes trials conducted by the Soviet Lithuanian judiciary can be perceived on one hand as an integral component of Soviet ideological propaganda and, on the other, as an alternative platform for disclosing memories of the mass murder of Jews, presenting a contrasting perspective to the official Soviet politics of memory.

Designed to cater to both academic scholars and the broader public, this volume presents a meticulously compiled collection of Soviet legal history, retribution politics, memory, and media during the Thaw period. It sheds light on the intricate interplay between these factors and their profound impact on shaping the collective memory and understanding of the Holocaust in the post-World War II era. Through its detailed analysis and insightful perspectives, this volume contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics of justice, memory, and media in the context of the Cold War, offering valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for truth and reconciliation.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032604213