Politics of Memory in Historical Retrospect: Case of Kazakhstan
Dr. Taissiya Marmontova is Associate Professor, School of Social-Humanitarian Studies, “Astana” International University, Kazakhstan.
The presentation analyzes the politics of memory in historical retrospect using the case of Kazakhstan. The analysis defines the role of the oppositional binary model which is characterized by the use of simplistic binary schemes for analysing and understanding the past, based on Soviet ideology and experience. For example, the USSR and Germany after World War II, when Soviet citizens perceived all Germans as carriers of fascist ideology. In general, social reality is rarely dominated by a single model. In the case of the Republic of Kazakhstan, over the 30 years of independence there has been a tendency to adopt a so-called “pluralistic model”, although supporters of other approaches exist as well. There are many perspectives on the Soviet past in Kazakhstan. The diversity of positive and negative narratives in the politics of memory can be seen as a normal phenomenon. For a multinational state like Kazakhstan, such diversity can only be beneficial. It is important for a stable socio-political situation in a multicultural state with a diverse culture to recognize the existence of different perspectives on the past, particularly regarding the still freshly remembered Soviet period. Respect and recognition of personal experiences and narratives is vital for maintaining social cohesion.
Language: presentation: English, discussion: English, German, Russian.
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