Politics without a Past: The Absence of History in Postcommunist Nationalism

摘要: In "Politics without a Past", Shari J. Cohen offers powerful challenge to common characterisations of post-communist politics as either resurgence aggressive nationalism or an evolution toward Western-style democracy. draws upon extensive field research paint picture political life in which ideological labels are meaningless and exchangeable at will, parties appear disappear regularly, citizens remain unengaged the process. contrast conventional wisdom, locates roots widespread intra-national strife deeply rooted national identities from past, argues that profound vacuum has fuelled destructive tension throughout Europe former Soviet Union. She uses Slovakia case study reveal communist regimes bequeathed insidious form historical amnesia majority elite societies they govern.Slovakia was particularly vulnerable intervention since its pre-communist consciousness so weak only period statehood prior 1993 Nazi puppet-state. To demonstrate her argument, focuses on Slovakia's failure forge collective memory World War II experience. shows how socialisation prevented Slovaks tying their individual family stories-of Jewish deportations, anti-Nazi resistance, serving wartime government-to larger narrative shared with others, leaving them bereft moral bearings."Politics Past" develops analytical framework will be important for future Eastern Europe, Union, beyond. Scholars science, history, East European post-Soviet studies find Cohen's methodology conclusions enlightening. For policymakers, diplomats, journalists who deal region, she valuable insights into elusive nature societies.