Title The securitization of memory and the practice of public history in the Baltic States /
Authors Davoliūtė, Violeta
DOI 10.4324/9781003342083-5
ISBN 9781032378169
eISBN 9781003342083
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Is Part of Defending memory in global politics: mnemonical in/security and crisis / edited by Erica Resende, Dovilė Budrytė, Douglas Becker.. London : Routledge, 2025. p. 52-70.. ISBN 9781032378169. eISBN 9781003342083
Keywords [eng] securitization of memory ; Baltic States ; public history ; Russian invasion of Ukraine
Abstract [eng] Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine in 2014 generated considerable anxiety in the Baltic States about the vulnerability of society to information warfare exploiting the contending historical narratives of the region. The authorities became acutely concerned of the possibility of a ‘hybrid attack’, appealing to the hearts and minds of Russian minorities in border regions to support an incursion or destabilizing action. This chapter seeks to demonstrate that while historical memory of the Second World War became a referent of security discourse and policy, the securitization of the past has not yet led to illiberal regulation or efforts to control historical discourse. A comparative and regional analysis of policy developments in the Baltic States suggests that policymakers have thus far managed to steer a course between a ‘laissez-faire’ liberalism and mnemonic memocracy.
Published London : Routledge, 2025
Type Book part
Language English
Publication date 2025
CC license CC license description