Monopoly of state politics of history (Geschichtspolitik)?

The increasing integration of Europe has not so far given rise to a unified European remembrance culture. Along with the first attempts to establish a canon of narratives, by for instance the Musée de l’Europe, there has been a resurgence of state-centred interpretations, which are increasingly used as ideological instruments by governments to project to the population a particular version of history. These strategies frequently encounter resistance from individual groups.

These groups criticise the influence of the state in the creation of narratives and advance their own version of history. Geschichtswerkstatt Europa examines this process of negotiation through discussion of commemorative days, museums, memorials and the role of civil society organisations and academics.