The Role of Memory in War Politics and Post-Conflict Reconciliation

The Role of Memory in War Politics and Post-Conflict Reconciliation: Historical Memory in Crisis explores how memories of war, trauma, and national identity shape politics, diplomacy, and reconciliation across Europe and beyond. Spanning from the Second World War to the current Russia–Ukraine war, the book examines how governments and societies choose to remember – or forget – their past.

How do states use history to justify current policies? Why do certain events become national myths while others are erased? And how can memory be used to promote peace instead of conflict? Through case studies from the UK, Poland, Romania, Georgia, Ukraine, Austria, and the Czech Republic, the book explores how war memorials, education systems, and media shape public opinion and foreign policy. Part 1 looks at past conflicts and their commemoration, while part 2 focuses on the Russia–Ukraine war as a living example of memory in action. Special attention is given to young people’s perspectives and the role of cultural memory in their views on war and identity. Bridging history, politics, and culture, the book shows that memory is not static – it is a battleground. Whether manipulated by elites or reclaimed by citizens, how we remember the past deeply affects our present choices and future peace.

This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of political science, history, international relations, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and media studies.