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In Poland, contemporary political actors have constructed a narrative of Polish history since 1989 in which Polish and Jewish involvement with communism has created a national concept of “we.” Weaponizing the Past explores the resulting implications of national belonging through a lens of collective memory. Taking a constructivist approach to electoral politics and nation making in Poland’s past, this volume’s dual line of inquiry articulates why and how elites politicize the past, what effect this politicization produces, and contextualizes this politicization to illustrate contemporary production of anti-Semitism.
List of Illustrations
PART I: THEORY
Chapter 1. Weaponizing the Past, or Memory as Politics
Chapter 2. Theory Localized or Dramatis Personae of Polish Politics
PART II: WEAPONIZING THE PAST: THE CASE OF POLAND
Chapter 3. The Patriots—Using Memory Openly and Belligerently
Chapter 4. The Managers—Using Memory Covertly
Chapter 5. The Liberals—Using Memory Defensively
Chapter 6. The Objectors—Refusing Memory as Political Weapon
Conclusion: Looking Beyond: Weaponizing the Past and a Populist Moment