The Past Indefinite: Historical Memory and Politics in the North Caucasus

Ivanesco A.E., Urushadze A.T., Abazov A.Kh., Klychnikov Yu.Yu., Krinko E.F., Tsybenko V.V., Shnirelman V.А.

Abstract. The discussion is devoted to the problems of historical memory and memorial policy in the North Caucasus. Participants discuss several interrelated issues. First, the participants of the discussion try to determine the reasons for the regular updating of the past in the political and public discourse of the region. Second, the debaters reveal the symbolic effectiveness of using the past as a political resource. Third, they assess the prospects for the end of historiographical wars. Fourth, they discuss the need for a memorial policy in the North Caucasus. Fifth, they talk about the correlations between the
ethnic memory of the various peoples of the North Caucasus and the great narrative of Russian history.

Keywords: North Caucasus, historical memory, historical policy, Caucasian war.

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