A1 Journal article (refereed)
Uhriutumisen politiikkaa : italialainen "sisällissota" kansallisesta poliittisesta perinnöstä (2023)
Politics of Victimisation : Italian ”Civil War” of National Political Heritage

Parvikko, T. (2023). Uhriutumisen politiikkaa : italialainen "sisällissota" kansallisesta poliittisesta perinnöstä. Politiikka, 65(3), 222-243. https://doi.org/10.37452/politiikka.130070

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Parvikko, Tuija

Journal or series: Politiikka

ISSN: 0032-3365

eISSN: 2669-8617

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 31/10/2023

Volume: 65

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 222-243

Publisher: Valtiotieteellinen yhdistys

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37452/politiikka.130070

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/91855

Abstract

In this article I read politically Italian history-political struggle over national political heritage and identity. This struggle focuses on mass-killings and mass-escape from areas remained under the rule of socialist Yugoslavia. I will argue that the persistent campaigning of political right-wing circles and exile organizations have succeeded in raising the tragic events of Adriatic border areas upon the pantheon of national historical heritage in Italy. I will analyse the principal theses and topoi, in terms of which the struggle has been organized. In my interpretation, the political use and abuse of the history of Adriatic border areas is best understood in terms of Jie-Hyun Lim’s theory of victimhood nationalism. By means of sacralisation of memories, de- and re-contextualisation of evil deeds and events, and magical metamorphosis the war criminals and their victims have changed places, political and military responsibility have been blurred, and the commonly shared victimhood has become the new basis of national identity.

Keywords: Second World War; postwar period; Italians; refugeedom; national identity; nationalism; victim mentality; rhetoric; history politics; political history

Free keywords: Italy; victimhood nationalism; political use of history; politics of victimisation

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

JUFO rating: 2