Collective memory and representations of the 20th century in Ukrainian and Polish historiography: a comparative approach

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to carry out a comparative analysis of the representations of the events of the 20th century in modern Ukrainian and Polish historiographies. The research focus is on the national narratives of Ukraine and Poland, which were formed in the academic environment, starting from the 1990s, and reflected both collective memory and the principles of state memory policy in both states. The main example for consideration was the cemetery of the Lviv Eaglets as an important place of memory for Poles and part of their national heroic myth and at the same time a place of historical trauma for Ukrainians.

The methodological basis of the article is a comparative approach combined with the methods of historiographical and discourse analysis. This allowed us to systematize the achievements of modern researchers and study the transformations of memory policy through the prism of the concepts of «big truths» and «small truths», as well as analyze the dynamics of memorial dialogue.

Results. It is found that the post-Soviet period became a time of de-ideologisation of memory for both countries, but was accompanied by the emergence of new national myths. It is emphasized that in Poland and Ukraine during the outlined period there was a different approach to understanding the role and place of history in state-building and nation-building processes. In Poland, a developed and extensive state infrastructure has been formed, which functions to form relevant national historical narratives, memory policy and collective memory. While in Ukraine, the formation of modern historical culture is stimulated more by existential challenges, primarily caused by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, than by a systematic approach to the use of history as an instrument of state memory policy and relevant commemorative events.

The scientific novelty is enhanced by using the "cultural syndromes" approach to study Ukrainian and Polish societies regarding manipulation of the past. Using a comparative approach, the transformation of the memorial space of the Eaglets Cemetery is considered not from the point of view of an object of conflict, but rather as a platform for commemoration in the context of common existential threats for Ukraine and Poland, using the example of interstate and scientific interaction.

Conclusions. It is proven that successful Polish-Ukrainian historical reconciliation is possible only if there is a transition from the paradigm of «winners and losers» to inclusive commemoration. The common threat from the Russian Federation acted as a catalyst for a reset of the historical narrative, where military honor is recognized for both sides of the 1918-1919 war. However, a number of unresolved historical traumas remain on the agenda, both on the part of Poland and Ukraine.