Вырываясь из объятий политики. Исследование культур воспоминания как способ поощрения исторического диалога в литовско-российских отношениях

Abstract

This article focuses on the factors inhibiting a productive rethinking of the past in contemporary Lithuanian-Russian relations. The rethinking of the past is understood as a process facilitating the reconsideration of historical meanings through adjusting them to the expectations and values of a contemporary society. The author argues that, during this process, historical research an important tool for encouraging the co-existence of communities should fulfil certain social functions. Having chosen the Lithuanian-Russian communication space as a case, the author emphasises the need to develop interest in mutual knowledge of cultures of remembrance in this space. Outlining the strategies specific to the prevailing cultures of remembrance in contemporary Russia and Lithuania, the author addresses the question of their proper relationship, as well as that of the appropriateness of politics of history. The criminalisation of certain evaluations of the past and the academic dialogue between historians are regarded as two opposite extremes of politics of history actually existing in the Lithuanian-Russian communications space. The author stresses that research on the values and interpretations of the past peculiar to certain social groups in both Lithuania and Russia may be considered as a basis for further development of the historical dialogue. It is assumed that such research may contribute to the improvement in the field of politics of history.