On Agonistic Memory

Anna Cento Bull, Hans Lauge Hansen

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

236 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Building on Mouffe’s critique of cosmopolitanism, this article argues that a cosmopolitan mode of remembering, far from having superseded the antagonistic mode associated with ‘first modernity’ in the European context, has proved unable to prevent the rise of, and is being increasingly challenged by, new antagonistic collective memories constructed by populist neo-nationalist movements. This article outlines the main defining characteristics of a third ‘agonistic’ mode of remembering, which is both reflexive and dialogic, yet also relies upon politicized representations of past conflicts, acknowledging civic and political passions as well as individual and collective agency.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMemory Studies
Volume9
Issue4
Pages (from-to)390-404
Number of pages15
ISSN1750-6980
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2016

Keywords

  • agonism
  • antagonism
  • collective memory
  • cosmopolitanism
  • modes of remembering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'On Agonistic Memory'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this