Potential of Collective Memory Based International Identity Conflicts in Post-Imperial Space
Date
2011-02-15
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Abstract
Dissertatsioon keskendub ajaloonarratiivide vastuoludele endise Vene impeeriumi aladel. Autor esitab alternatiivse lähenemise identiteedi konfliktidele post-sovitelikus maailmas. Ta väidab, et vastuolulised ajaloonarratiivid omavad suurt potentsiaali identiteedikonfliktide kujunemisel, mis võib üle kanduda ka välispoliitilisse suhtlusesse. Kui endine domineeriv rahvus säilitab impeeriumile omase ajaloonarratiivi, siis viib see paratamatule kokkupõrkele endiste allutatud rahvastega, kes vastandavad oma ajaloonarratiivid endisele impeeriumit toetavale narratiivile. Autor tõestab oma väidet analüüsides kolme allutatud rahva narratiive (Eesti, Ukraina ja Georgia), võrreldes neid endise domineeriva rahva (Venemaa) narratiiviga. Analüüs hindab ametlike ajalooõpikutes esitatud narratiive. Autor analüüsib õpikutes rahvusliku identiteedi elemente, rahvusliku enda ja olulise teise kuvandit, samuti kuidas on tõlgendatud uuritavate rahvuste ühist ajalugu. Autor hindab ka narratiivide üldsuundumust skaalal samastav-eristav. Uurimus kinnitab esitatud väidet ning määratleb kindlad mustrid uuritavate rahvuste ajaloonarratiivide konstrueerimisel. Venemaa on negatiivne oluline teine kõikidele allutatud rahvastele ning samuti rahvuslike identiteetide konstrueeimisel eksisteerivad olulised vastuolud. Venemaa üldjoontes jätkab oma impeeriumiagset ajaloonarratiivi ning proovib näidata, et eestlased, ukrainlased ning georgialased on osa tema ajaloost. Omakorda nende rahvuste ajaloonarratiivid proovivad vahendada arusaama, et Venemaa on erinev ning teine nende rahvuslikust kehandist ja seetõttu ei kuulu loomuliku toimijana nende ajalukku.
Dissertation focuses on incompatibilities of national history master narratives in the space of former Russian empire. The author proposes alternative approach to understand the identity conflicts in the post-Soviet space by introducing the concept of post-imperial memory clashes. He claims that incompatible history master narratives have significant potential for identity conflict that can be transferred into foreign policy of respective countries. If the former dominating nation maintains former empire master narrative as their official history approach it leads to incompatibility with the former dominated nations who propose their master narrative that challenges the centripetal empire master narrative. Author proves his thesis by investigating three former dominated nations’ master narratives (Estonia, Georgia and Ukraine) and compares them with former dominating nation’s one (Russia). The master narrative is defined based on historical textbooks used in respective countries. In the analysis of the history textbooks the author defined key elements of national identity, images of national self and significant other (Russia) as well as approaches to shared history among the nations. He also assessed the character of national master narrative (assimilative vs dissimilative). The research confirmed the proposed thesis and it draw clear patterns of composition of master narratives of respective nations. Russia is as the negative significant other for all former dominated nations and there are significant incompatibilities in identity constructions. Russia mainly continues its master narrative of the empire period and tries to include respective nations as part of its history. Estonian, Ukrainian and Georgian master narratives try to mediate meaning that Russia is other and it is not a natural part of their national past.
Dissertation focuses on incompatibilities of national history master narratives in the space of former Russian empire. The author proposes alternative approach to understand the identity conflicts in the post-Soviet space by introducing the concept of post-imperial memory clashes. He claims that incompatible history master narratives have significant potential for identity conflict that can be transferred into foreign policy of respective countries. If the former dominating nation maintains former empire master narrative as their official history approach it leads to incompatibility with the former dominated nations who propose their master narrative that challenges the centripetal empire master narrative. Author proves his thesis by investigating three former dominated nations’ master narratives (Estonia, Georgia and Ukraine) and compares them with former dominating nation’s one (Russia). The master narrative is defined based on historical textbooks used in respective countries. In the analysis of the history textbooks the author defined key elements of national identity, images of national self and significant other (Russia) as well as approaches to shared history among the nations. He also assessed the character of national master narrative (assimilative vs dissimilative). The research confirmed the proposed thesis and it draw clear patterns of composition of master narratives of respective nations. Russia is as the negative significant other for all former dominated nations and there are significant incompatibilities in identity constructions. Russia mainly continues its master narrative of the empire period and tries to include respective nations as part of its history. Estonian, Ukrainian and Georgian master narratives try to mediate meaning that Russia is other and it is not a natural part of their national past.
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Keywords
dissertatsioonid, politoloogia, narratiiv, ajalugu, identiteet, konflikt, õpikud