Remembering illiberal regimes in Eastern Europe and beyond

Public talk on Polish and post-Yugoslav memories of the communist past.

During the 20th Century, many European states were ruled by illiberal rulers and government systems. This included all Eastern Europe, as well as Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Germany and Italy. Despite being different in structure and ideological outlook, ranging from fascist to communist and from very repressive to so-called “soft dictatorships”, these systems have left a legacy in their respective countries as well as in the broader European context, which is oftentimes portrayed as difficult to process for current generations.

Focusing on the Eastern European experience, the two talks explore how these pasts are dealt with in Poland and the post-Yugoslav region, showing that there can even be doubt on when it became a past and if it was a troubled past at all.

  • Anna Krakus (Assistant Professor, Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, UCPH): After forever: Cinematic and political reactions to ‘the end’ in Poland.
  • Ismar Dedovic (Postdoc, Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, UCPH): “It was a good time: going on picnics and to the seaside” – Joyful memories of “the good life” in Yugoslavia.

Following the talks, there will be refreshments and a general discussion on how to approach these topics in research.

The event is open to all. No registration is required.