Research groups
Four research groups will explore the roles of different types of stakeholders in managing memories of disputed territories:
Nation states
The role of nation states in managing memories of disputed territories
Led by Dr Sophie Whiting of the University of Bath (UK).
Background
Issues of memory are closely linked to nation states’ identities, and memories of a shared past play a pivotal role in the process of nation building. A history of shared suffering is regularly mentioned in official narratives with the expectation of making people rally around the flag.
However, nation states equally have the power to use narratives based on particular memories to promote democratic pluralism within that country’s territory, potentially starting a move towards change. Similarly, states can collaborate with their neighbours to promote non-antagonistic memories.
Research scope & focus
This research group will explore how nation states can provide non-antagonistic versions of memory and can encourage acceptance of the idea that there can be more than one narrative about the shared past of two or more states.
Using a range of qualitative research methods (including interviews, policy analysis, discourse analysis and media analysis), researchers will explore the role of state and national politicians in the spread of different forms of memory, both antagonistic and non-antagonistic.
The group will analyse the rhetoric of political leaders to discover their contribution to framing issues of disputed territory in antagonistic or non-antagonistic terms. It will explore the extent to which issues of disputed territory are open to politicisation in the national arena and investigate the conditions that can lead to a less politicised and more respectful dialogue with neighbouring states.
Researchers will explore the extent to which states use the education system to either spread antagonistic memory or to promote a dialogue about competing versions of the past, both at home and across borders. They will also investigate the role of national media, either as replicators of state-led discourse or as potential channels of dissent and counter-memory.
The group will analyse the effectiveness of projects sponsored by neighbouring states in order to overcome previously antagonistic memories in the name of peaceful co-existence, assessing the extent to which direct state involvement in such initiatives is useful, and highlighting examples of best practice.
Civil society groups and NGOs / Cultural practitioners / Nation states / Regional organisations