Convolutions of Historical Politics

<p>Thirteen essays by scholars from seven countries discuss the political use and abuse of history in the recent decades with particular focus on Central and Eastern Europe (Hungary Poland Estonia Moldova Ukraine Russia as case studies) but also includes articles on Germany Japan and Turkey which provide a much needed comparative dimension. The main focus is on new conditions of political utilization of history in post-communist context which is characterized by lack of censorship and political pluralism. The phenomenon of history politics became extremely visible in Central and Eastern Europe in the past decade and remains central for political agenda in many countries of the regions. Each essay is a case study contributing to the knowledge about collective memory and political use of history offering a new theoretical twist. The studies look at actors (from political parties to individual historians) institutions (museums Institutes of National remembrance special political commissions) methods political rationale and motivations behind this phenomenon.</p>