Contested Histories: History Education and the Struggle for Democratic Resilience in Central and Eastern Europe

Session Submission Type: Panel

Brief Description

This panel explores the contentious role of contemporary history education in shaping democratic resilience within Central and Eastern Europe. It examines the tension between approaches grounded in "democratic education" and the historical policies promoted by right-wing populist governments in the region. The discussion will also address the broader significance of contemporary history in fostering democratic values. Key topics include the challenges of teaching about the communist period, the Holocaust, feminism and gender politics, nationalism, multiculturalism, and postcolonialism. Particular attention will be given to the arguments advanced by actors from diverse ideological perspectives, who seek to justify their approaches to protect children and strengthen societal resilience.

Sub Unit

• Sociology, Public Health, Education

Chair

• Vitezslav Sommer, Inst of Contemporary History CAS (Czech Republic)

Papers

• Fear for our Children's Future: The Battle over History Textbooks in Divided Societies of Czechia and Poland - Ondřej Klipa, Charles U in Prague (Czech Republic)

• Between Memory and Oblivion: The Holocaust in Ukrainian History Textbooks - Denys Kiryukhin, Lund U (Sweden)

• Teaching History in a German Post-Migrant Society: Controversies and Experiences - Ota Konrád, Charles U in Prague (Czech Republic)

• The Competing Nationalisms of Komárno/Komarom - Deborah Michaels, Grinnell College

Discussant

• Sarah Ellen Zarrow, Western Washington U