We are pleased to invite you to participate in the upcoming conference "Mobilizing and Weaponizing Memories of Soviet Repressions", which will take place at the University of Warsaw from 29 to 31 October 2025.
The memory of Soviet repressions is entering a new and critical phase. The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the banning of International Memorial in Russia, the renewed closure of Russian archives, the intensifying politicization of history and memory, and the resurgence of traumatic recollections triggered by war and shifting geopolitical dynamics have profoundly reshaped memory landscapes in many societies affected by Soviet repressions. These developments not only disrupt existing narratives but also call for fresh scholarly approaches to understanding how Soviet repressions are remembered, contested, and instrumentalized today. In this context, establishing a common platform for scholars working on these issues is more urgent than ever.
We welcome submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
* The roles that memories of Soviet repressions play in the political, social, and cultural transformations of affected societies, especially in the context of ongoing geopolitical shifts and war
* The influence of political, institutional, and grassroots actors—including state bodies, NGOs, and transnational organizations—on memory cultures and remembrance processes
* Portrayals of perpetrators, collaborators, and other implicated subjects of Soviet repressions in different societies
* New theoretical perspectives and conceptual tools for capturing the unique dynamics and significance of memories of Soviet repressions
* Comparative studies of remembrance practices and commemorative cultures across different societies, highlighting their similarities, differences, and interactions
* In-depth case studies of specific memory practices and sites, illustrating how Soviet repressions are remembered, reinterpreted, or contested in local and transnational contexts
MA and PhD students are invited to join the pre-conference Master Classes (Warsaw, October 28, 2025).
This one-day intensive masterclass is designed for master's and doctoral students and it aims to foster collective reflection on the shape and future direction of research on Soviet repressions. Students will present their work before peers and faculty, receiving detailed feedback from experts. Participants in the masterclass will also take part in the conference and all related events, making the masterclass and conference a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the academic development of young researchers.
Both the conference and masterclasses are free of charge, and the organizers will provide accommodation for participants.
📬To attend the conference
Please send your abstract of no more than 300 words together with a short biographical statement by May 31, 2025. Abstracts will be selected by the academic committee. We will notify you about the acceptance of your proposal by June 15, 2025. Conference participation is free of charge. The organizers provide accommodation in Warsaw, but the participants have to cover the travel expenses by themselves.
📬To attend the pre-conference masterclasses
Please send your extended abstract of 600 words together with a short biographical statement by May 31, 2025. Abstracts will be selected by the academic committee. We will notify you about the acceptance of your proposal by June 15, 2025. You will be expected to send your final papers by September 30, 2025. The masterclasses will only take place in person. Organizers will cover travel expenses and accommodation in a hostel in Warsaw for the duration of the conference.
Please submit your abstract and a biographical statement here: ONLINE APPLICATION:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiYPfewWKeNXEvYe0whFvhp7JVZSXGDn4YPDnNTm2ed8xQHg/viewform?usp=dialog
Conference Convenors:
- Zuzanna Bogumił, PhD. (Institute of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, UW)
- Margaret Comer, PhD. (Institute of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, UW)
The project is co-financed by funds from the state budget awarded by the Minister of Science within the framework of the Excellent Science II Programme.
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