Historical memory as a source of conflicts in Eastern Europe

Memory of collective wrongs and atrocities suffered in the past from anothe r nation or ethnic group often burdens a present conflict with strong resen tment and makes it appear as a historical repetition or redress. There are many examples in recent history of Eastern Europe, the Balkans included, wh en vivid and deliberately inflamed historical reminiscences make it virtual ly impossible to negotiate a compromise solution of a crisis. Only when nat ional memory has been "cooled" and sacrosanct historical places and symbols has lost some of their mobilizing force, may human relations between the e nemy communities be restored. (C) 1999 The Regents of the University of Cal ifornia. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.