B1 Non-refereed journal articles
Politics of memory and oblivion : An introduction to the special issue (2020)

Kaasik-Krogerus, S., Ceginskas, V. L. A., & Sääskilahti, N. (2020). Politics of memory and oblivion : An introduction to the special issue. European Politics and Society, 21(3), 271-276. https://doi.org/10.1080/23745118.2019.1645419

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kaasik-Krogerus, Sigrid; Ceginskas, Viktorija L. A.; Sääskilahti, Nina

Journal or series: European Politics and Society

ISSN: 2374-5118

eISSN: 2374-5126

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 21

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 271-276

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23745118.2019.1645419

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/66468

Abstract

This editorial sets the context for the special issue on memory and oblivion and introduces the contributions. By interpreting the contemporary uses of the past, the editorial underscores the relevance of the study of memory and oblivion in today’s heated and antagonistic debates. The politics of memory and uses of the past often coincide with efforts of reducing the past to legitimize the current authorities and tend to create new gaps in memory that contribute to the polarisation of societies. The special issue consists of six articles that scrutinise the consequences of the intertwining of memory, oblivion and political power in European countries. Based on two main approaches, the contributions explore the diverse meanings given to practices of memory in contemporary contexts that shape remembering for communities and nations alike. One approach shows how in the context of memory politics, public, national and collective memories are utilised, interpreted, and revised to fill in gaps and absences, while the other approach focuses on exploring continuities, transformations and ruptures in the construction of national memory.

Keywords: past; remembrance; politics of memory; history politics

Free keywords: past; memory; oblivion; politics; Europe

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020