Panel Discussion / Berlin, December 9th 2022
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the use of history as a justification for war and as part of enemy images and war propaganda is once again a European reality. Putin’s Russia justifies its actions with symbols and narratives anchored in history, as well as demonizing Ukrainians with strongly loaded accusations. Ukraine and the Western countries that support it also make use of historical concepts, images of enemies and symbolism.
Welcome to a panel discussion in Berlin organised by Historians without Borders and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung to reflect on how historical knowledge, symbols and narratives have been used in the ongoing war in Europe. In addition, it will be discussed how historians could better identify and prevent the deliberate misrepresentation of historical information and the use of distorted information in the context of conflicts. How and when can we hope to have Russia conducting a critical review of its history? What can historians do to promote such a process?
The discussion will be held in English.
PROGRAM
The Use and Abuse of History in Conflicts: The War against Ukraine in Focus
Beginning at 2pm
Welcome remarks:
- FES and Erkki Tuomioja, Chairman of Historians without Borders
Keynote speakers:
- Katja Makhotina, Professor for Eastern European History (Bonn University)
- Viktor Jerofejew, writer
Panel discussion and questions from the audience:
- Erkki Tuomioja, Chairman of Historians without Borders
- Katja Makhotina, Professor for Eastern European History (Bonn University)
- Viktor Jerofejew, writer
Moderation by Jan C. Behrends, Zentrum für Zeithistorische Forschung Potsdam.
End 4pm
Afterwards coffee and snacks
Friday, 9th December 2022, 2:00-4:00 pm (14:00 bis 16:00 Uhr), Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Berlin, Konferenzsaal 1 (Conference room 1). NOTE! The address of the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation is Hiroshimastrasse 17 (not Hiroshimastrasse 28, as mentioned previously in the advert).
The discussion will be held in English. There will be no interpretation. The event is not streamed but there will be recording available online after the event. More info on the recording coming soon.
REGISTRATION
If you are interested in joining the event, please contact Leon Oerder under public.history@fes.de for registration by 7th December. The event takes place in the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Berlin (address: Hiroshimastrasse 17). If you have any questions regarding the accessibility of the event, please contact the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation in advance.
By registering, the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation is granted permission to take photos and film recordings during the event and to use these for public relations and for documentation purposes in analogue and digital form. Please contact the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation if you do not agree to this.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please visit the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundations’ website of our panel discussion for further information.
The event can also be found on Facebook.