Narratives of Power: Memory Politics in Russia, Germany, and the Contemporary World 

This event brings together scholars, diplomats, and policy experts to explore the politics of memory and history in the current moment. Focusing on how not only Russia and other increasingly authoritarian regimes shape narratives of the past for present gains, and what the ideals of the German Vergangengheitsbewältigung could imply in the present, the discussions will examine strategies of remembrance, denial, and commemoration. In light of geopolitical tensions, the discussions will address how historical memory continues to influence foreign policy, national identity, and international relations today. The seminar aims to foster critical dialogue on the evolving role of the past in shaping the present.  

This event is held as a part of History in Exile: Dialogue on Russian Memory and History Politics in the Nordic and Baltic Countries, a pilot project by Historians without Borders in Finland. Funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, the project promotes dialogue between historians and history teachers as well as the public on Russian memory and history politics and its implications for historical research in Russian society.  

📅 Date: Tuesday October 28, 2025 
🕘 Time: 09:30-15:30 
📍 Venue: ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, August-Bebel-Str. 68, 14482 Potsdam, Germany

This high-level seminar will feature expert panels, diplomatic dialogue, and scholarly engagement on critical issues, including: 

• Russian Memory Politics – A Precedent for Authoritarian Regimes Globally?  
  This first session will be live-streamed! 

• Vergangenheitsbewältigung as a Global Challenge 

The third session after the lunch break is focused on the role of historians in conflicts with a presentation of the principles and work of the international network of Historians without Borders and a discussion on how historians in Germany could contribute to this. 

Formal invitation and full agenda as well as registration to follow.