Our research establishes a transnational basis for the work in the SolRen project. A series of research tasks will chart how right-wing authoritarianism is remembered in these countries (eg invoked in contemporary media, political and broader discourses) and attitudes towards remembrance practices (contestations, debates etc). We rely on specific methodologies of narrative analysis, critical discourse analysis and history/archival research. It will produce cutting edge research about narratives of authoritarianism in liberal discourses, dynamics of memory and forgetting, appropriations of narratives, how contested heritage and memory operate and how they play into mainstreaming far-right narratives.
It involves desk research, quantitative research (surveys), focus groups with a relevant sample of the public and relevant stakeholders in the five countries have dealt with right-wing authoritarianism, initiatives in memory politics and how these have affected local communities (Portugal, after 1974, Spain, after 1975, Romania, after 1948, Italy, after 1978, Finland after 1945); it maps how resistance today and relevant cultural heritage and attempts to showcase usages of these narratives in the current discourses of the right-wing and extremist actors. The overall scope of the research also means operationalising a pool of relevant experts in the public history/memory/intercultural dialogue/cultural heritage field informed on the practices in each country that can be used as relevant informants throughout the project in the memory forums.
Report 1 – Attitudes towards the collective memory of resistance against far-right regimes, groups or practices and specific narratives in collective memory in the target countries
In this report, we examine the prevailing discourse surrounding the collective memory of far-right movements in the Spain, Portugal, Italy, Finland and Romania with a particular focus on the contemporary presence of their historical legacies in public discourse and political spheres. We analyse the evolution of these movements and their dynamics over time, with a focus on significant historical junctures and turning points. Our research charted the dynamics of collective memory concerning far-right regimes and movements, resistance against these groups, and the historiography surrounding specific narratives embedded within collective memory. The scope of the report was twofold: firstly, to collect information on public attitudes towards the collective memory of resistance against far-right regimes, groups or practices; and secondly, to understand specific narratives in collective memory in the countries, and to look at cross-fertilization between these contexts, as well as the transnational histories these cases reflect, which are often nationalised despite them being entangled across borders.
The report was discussed and presented at several outreach events in each country, grouped around the themes of Memory Today and Practices of Memory Today.
Report 2 – Collective memory practices concerning the right-wing
In this research report, we build on the first report’s findings to look in more depth into collective memory practices around right-wing histories in our target countries and understand their scope, reach and visibility. The primary aim of the report was to understand the modalities through which right-wing movements are embedded in collective memory narratives today (for example, nostalgia, national pride, nationalism, silencing or on the contrary, regret and contention). Secondly, we were interested in knowing how and where these practices were visible: for instance, around certain memorials, statues, in museums, in spaces of remembrance or relevant commemorations. Thirdly, we examined which narratives are used to represent these histories (for instance, are they seen as movements of resistance and triumph) and what the public’s perception of these memory practices is.
The report was discussed and presented at several outreach events in each country, grouped around the themes of Memory Today and Practices of Memory Today.
Report 3 – Report about collective memory display and heritage
The report provides a synopsis of the heritage practices of far-right movements across the various countries of SOLREM, with a particular focus on their engagement with heritage or any curatorial initiative intended for the general public. The primary research question guiding this study is identifying the key areas or themes of interest to these movements. Furthermore, it aimed to see if any monuments associated with the far-right have received attention in public discourse from mainstream actors. That is to say, it is investigated whether these monuments are the subject of debate, whether they are rediscovered, or whether they are recontextualised. The study also explores the extent to which progressive, left-wing, and centrist actors debate these monuments. In each country, the research teams focused on case studies of important heritage spaces to the far right. The dynamics of use or perspectives of the case studies take into account the following: 1. the main actors involved in these spaces; 2. what actions are taken; 3. what is the position concerning the community at large (are they trying to ‘mainstream’ their message through heritage, bring more people into the ideological angle, etc.).
The report was discussed and presented at several outreach events in each country, grouped around the themes of Memory Today and Practices of Memory Today.
Report 4 – Teaching and Curricula on the Far-Right
The report aims to understand how far-right movements and resistance to far-right movements are portrayed in textbooks and taught in formal education in the countries of focus of the project. We were interested in how right-wing ideas (tradition, family, nativism, sovereignism, irridentism) are portrayed in education and how and if these manners have changed more recently. The objective is to ascertain the predominant narratives and perspectives employed in the discourse of these movements within formal education, encompassing history books, language education materials, and selected literary works. The changes in how these have been taught, revisions of textbooks and debates around these revisions are also discussed. Of particular interest is the manner in which historical right-wing extremist movements are incorporated within the official education curriculums of the target countries, along with the evolution of this representation over time.
The report was discussed and presented at several outreach events in each country, grouped around the themes of Memory Today and Practices of Memory Today.