Historiographic Reflection and Formation of National Identity

A turn of modern science towards the study historical memory gives rise to questions about role in formation collective, particular, national identity. The experience a historiographic reflection on these problems is presented collective monograph “The Past for Present: History, Memory and Narratives National Identity” written by laboratory “Studies Historical Intellectual Culture” Center History Studies Institute World Russian Academy Sciences, headed L. P. Repina. authors examine processes identity several countries (Russia, Britain, Germany, Poland, Bolivia) “longue durée” perspective, context global trends. They focus that narratives created professional historians played construction “historical myths” — mythologized ideas “origins” history represent constitutive elements raise problem competition different identities memories, consider issue audience narrative. highlight ambiguity social science: one hand, are actively involved memory; other scientific knowledge provides them with tools critical analysis myths well-reasoned projects represents successful attempt combining “memorial paradigm” “new sociocultural history” nationalism nation-building.