The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Today We Enjoy Many Freedoms : En narrativanalytisk studie av historiska narrativ i europaparlamentet

På svenska

Author

  • Jens Mollberger

Summary, in English

This thesis investigates historical narratives that were exhibited during a plenary session in the European parliament prior to accepting the resolution Importance of remembrance for the Future of Europe. The resolution states that the European parliament from here on and after will regard the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact as the direct cause of the Second World War. Trough narrative analysis, the thesis attempts to contextualise the historical narratives that were at use during the debate, exposing important differences in how history is perceived throughout Europe. The study finds that two related main historical narratives as well as a complementary counter narrative were prominent during the debate. The main narratives both identify the Molotov Ribbentrop pact as a key event in the history of the 20th century, and while one of them uses a nationalistic frame of reference to emphasise the autonomy of post-communist states, the other narrative focuses on creating a historical narrative that posits the EU as a natural extension of democratic movements throughout history. The counter narrative attempts to challenge the presumptions leading to the prior perceptions, while providing an alternate version of the events leading to the second world war, focusing on the historical impact of Russia. In its conclusion, the study suggests that a narrative shift, reformulating a formerly western centred narrative in favour of narratives from East- Central Europe, have occurred.

Department/s

Publishing year

2020

Language

Swedish

Document type

Student publication for Bachelor's degree

Topic

  • Cultural Sciences

Keywords

  • Historical Narratives
  • Narrative Analysis
  • EU
  • Russia
  • Molotov- Ribbentrop Pact
  • European Studies
  • European Union
  • European Parliament

Supervisor

  • Tomas Sniegon