Medievalism in Russian and Ukrainian Political Discourses
Edited by Anastasija Ropa
Trivent Publishing
ISBN: 978-615-6696-46-5
Medieval history has been invoked in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This book brings together five essays examining how the medieval past has been used, interpreted, and contested in this modern conflict. It offers a valuable contribution to the study of medievalism and the politics of historical memory.
Excerpt:
In view of the current geopolitical situation in eastern Europe, characterized by the war in Ukraine, but also other wars in the former communist states (the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the war in Georgia), as well as the rise of autocratic regimes in numerous countries in Europe, Russia and Belarus being the first and foremost, but not the only ones, the study of medieval history gains in urgency. When the medieval past, artworks and works of literature, as well as historical, semi-legendary and legendary people and events are used to justify political claims and ambitions, what are historians to do? It is all too easy to denounce such claims when made by the (perceived) aggressor, the antagonist, but what if these claims are made by the victims of violence? Do historians have the moral right to denounce them – or are they to tell what they believe to be a more objective version of events? We do not pretend to offer answers to these dilemmas.
Who is this book for?
This concise but significant volume is an important read for medievalists. Comprising five essays, along with an Introduction and Conclusion, it provides valuable insights into how both Russia and Ukraine interpret and deploy their medieval pasts. Figures such as Vladimir/Volodymyr the Great and Alexander Nevsky are examined to show how historical memory shapes contemporary narratives and justifications in the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine. Scholars and readers interested in the conflict, in Russian and Ukrainian history, or in medievalism more broadly, will find these studies especially illuminating.
The Editor
Anastasija Ropa is a lecturer of English and translator at the Latvian Academy of Sports Education.
The aim of this volume edited by @anstasijaropa is to establish a fruitful and respectful critical dialogue of this sensitive issue among scholars coming from various cultural backgrounds, with an interest in Slavic studies & medievalism. See more here: https://t.co/eAZpqiSt7Kpic.twitter.com/4WwfZEbcCl
Medievalism in Russian and Ukrainian Political Discourses
Edited by Anastasija Ropa
Trivent Publishing
ISBN: 978-615-6696-46-5
Medieval history has been invoked in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This book brings together five essays examining how the medieval past has been used, interpreted, and contested in this modern conflict. It offers a valuable contribution to the study of medievalism and the politics of historical memory.
Excerpt:
In view of the current geopolitical situation in eastern Europe, characterized by the war in Ukraine, but also other wars in the former communist states (the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the war in Georgia), as well as the rise of autocratic regimes in numerous countries in Europe, Russia and Belarus being the first and foremost, but not the only ones, the study of medieval history gains in urgency. When the medieval past, artworks and works of literature, as well as historical, semi-legendary and legendary people and events are used to justify political claims and ambitions, what are historians to do? It is all too easy to denounce such claims when made by the (perceived) aggressor, the antagonist, but what if these claims are made by the victims of violence? Do historians have the moral right to denounce them – or are they to tell what they believe to be a more objective version of events? We do not pretend to offer answers to these dilemmas.
Who is this book for?
This concise but significant volume is an important read for medievalists. Comprising five essays, along with an Introduction and Conclusion, it provides valuable insights into how both Russia and Ukraine interpret and deploy their medieval pasts. Figures such as Vladimir/Volodymyr the Great and Alexander Nevsky are examined to show how historical memory shapes contemporary narratives and justifications in the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine. Scholars and readers interested in the conflict, in Russian and Ukrainian history, or in medievalism more broadly, will find these studies especially illuminating.
The Editor
Anastasija Ropa is a lecturer of English and translator at the Latvian Academy of Sports Education.
You can learn more about this book from the publisher’s website.
You can buy this book on Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
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