Handbook on the Politics of Memory

Research output: Book/ReportBookpeer-review

Providing a novel multi-disciplinary theorization of memory politics, this Handbook brings varied literatures into a focused dialogue on the ways in which the past is remembered and how these influence transnational, interstate, and global politics in the present.

With case studies from Africa, East and Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, and the United States, the Handbook focuses on the political features of historical memory in international relations. Chapters examine key concepts of memory politics, including accountability, commemoration and memorialization, the Europeanization of memory, and the politics of trauma and victimhood, as well as analyzing different sites of memory, from the human body and memorial sites to media, film, and television. It also answers essential questions such as who and what determines the relevance of the past in the present; how does memory become a political question; and what are the political effects and ethical implications of its mobilization?

Exploring the links between the politics of memory, international ethics, law, and diplomacy, this stimulating Handbook will be essential reading for students and scholars of politics and international relations, cultural studies, history, and transitional justice. Its discussion of notable agents and practices of memory politics will also be beneficial for practitioners working in human rights, politics, and public policy.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationCheltenham
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing
Number of pages418
ISBN (Print)9781800372528
Publication statusPublished - May 2023

    Research areas

  • Faculty of Social Sciences - politics of memory, international ethics, international relations, diplomacy, transitional justice, human rights, cultural studies, media, film, trauma, commemoration, memorialization, Europeanization, accountability

ID: 326356119