The battle for historical memory in Central Eastern Europe (CEE) is a complex and often contentious domain, shaped by the region’s tumultuous history of communism, fascism, and the shifting tides of nationalism. This struggle over historical narrative and memory encompasses a wide array of issues, including differing perspectives on communism and fascism, as well as German, Russian, and Ukrainian nationalism and irredentism. These debates are not just academic or historical; they have profound implications for contemporary politics, national identity, and international relations in the region.
The legacy of communism remains a deeply divisive issue in CEE. For many, particularly in countries that were part of the Soviet bloc, communism is remembered as a period of repression, human rights abuses, and economic stagnation. Efforts to come to terms with this past have included lustration laws, the opening of secret police archives, and the erection of memorials for victims of communist regimes. However, there are also segments of society, often older generations, who remember the communist era as a time of social security and equality. This dichotomy is evident in the political landscape of countries like Poland and Hungary, where debates about the communist past often influence contemporary politics.
Fascism and the legacy of World War II also continue to evoke strong emotions and debate in the region. In countries that experienced occupation or collaboration with Nazi Germany, such as Hungary and Romania, reconciling with this past is complicated by issues of national pride and victimhood. Debates often focus on the extent of collaboration, the role of national leaders during the war, and the commemoration of wartime events and figures.
Nationalism and irredentism present another layer of complexity in the region’s struggle with historical memory. German nationalism and the legacy of German populations in countries like Poland and Czechia after World War II have left a lasting impact on interethnic relations and historical narratives in these countries. The expulsion and resettlement of Germans from CEE after the war remain sensitive topics, often intertwined with broader issues of justice and reconciliation. The Polish government only recently began to re-publicise wartime damages and the issue of compensation from the German state. A few years ago there was even a change in Polish law to criminalise the inference that Poles were in any way responsible for camps operated by Nazis on occupied Polish soil.
Russian nationalism and irredentism, particularly in relation to Ukraine, have gained renewed prominence in recent years. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have brought these issues to the forefront, with historical narratives playing a crucial role in justifying or contesting territorial claims. Debates around the historical memory of events like the Holodomor (the Great Famine in Ukraine in the early 1930s) and the role of Ukraine during World War II are deeply entwined with current political and territorial disputes.
Ukrainian nationalism, too, has been a subject of intense debate, especially in its efforts to forge a national identity distinct from Russian influence. This has involved reevaluating historical figures and events, often leading to controversy both within Ukraine and with its neighbours. The glorification of figures like Stepan Bandera, who fought for Ukrainian independence against Communists and Poles, whose movement collaborated somewhat with Nazi Germany though he himself died in Auschwitz concentration camp, exemplifies the complexities of these historical reinterpretations.
The battle for historical memory in CEE is an ongoing and dynamic process, reflecting the region’s efforts to grapple with a past marked by occupation, repression, and conflict. These debates are not isolated historical discussions; they are deeply embedded in the fabric of contemporary political discourse, influencing how nations in the region view themselves, their past, and their future trajectory. As CEE countries continue to navigate their post-communist transitions and relationships with neighbouring countries and global powers, the management and interpretation of historical memory remain a key battleground in shaping national identities and regional dynamics.
