Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics Collective Memory, Identity, and Power

"In an age of commemoration, museums and World heritage policies, memory sites are no longer places of Memory, 'Lieux de Mémoire' in the sense of Pierre Nora, who found in them the symbolic construction of the identity of the great nation of France, but they have become far more interesting places for public controversies about the past, the present and the future. They help us to have necessary public debates and contribute to identity building, divisions and even violent clashes in society, but also to trauma healing and in the best cases to reconciliation. This highly scientific and well researched book of Karina Korostelina is an important step forward in understanding conflicts on memory sites. It helps to structure the field, inspires new and practically relevant viewpoints, and provides on every page an enormous joy to read."

Martin Leiner, Director of the Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies and Chair in Systematic Theology/Ethics at the Faculty of Theology at Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany

"This is an extraordinary book. It rightfully upends many of our existing preconceptions about what helps or hinders post-conflict reconciliation. It will be an invaluable resource for policy makers and practitioners searching for more effective processes to aid intergroup conflict resolution and the effective transformation of group relations that can assist sustainable peace."

Mari Fitzduff, Professor Emerita, Heller School, Brandeis University, USA

"This book offers a sweeping evaluation of the role of memory sites in contemporary history. It combines a distinctive theoretical assessment of the nature, functions and diverse potential of these sites, along with four original case studies, ranging from Europe to Korea to Native Americans. Above all, the book shows how a better understanding of memory sites can improve their potential in reducing rather than exacerbating ongoing conflict."

Peter N. Stearns, Distinguished University Professor of History, George Mason University, USA