In Search of a Modern Mnemonic Narrative of Communism: Russia's Mnemopolitical Mimesis during the Medvedev Presidency

This article examines the politics of memory in Russia during

the Medvedev presidency (2008–12). It suggests an understanding

of the proposals for a “new historical doctrine” in Russia during this

period through the lens of mimesis. Russia’s search for a “modern”

mnemonic narrative of communism could be interpreted as an attempt

to “normalize” the country as an actor in international politics.

The paper engages critically the question of whether the calls for mnemonical

modernization subscribe to, or rather challenge, the Western

power to define the normative meaning of what constitutes the proper

way of coming to terms with the violent past. It problematizes the link

between “mnemonical modernization” and international “normality”

in contemporary Russian politics. The article argues that the emphasis

on the volume of national suffering and martyrdom has not been

matched with the discussion of the issues of responsibility in the calls

to establish a “new historical doctrine” about communism in contemporary

Russia.