History Politics and War Memories of the North (UPAST)

The history and memory of WWII in the Arctic play a topical role in the relations between the neighbouring states of Norway and Russia. Of particular importance are the joint Norwegian-Russian commemorations of the Red Army liberation of Eastern Finnmark in October 1944. The memory of the liberation forms a cornerstone in the story about historically peaceful relations between the small state of Norway and the great power of Russia, a story that has been highly appreciated and actively promoted by both states. The UPAST project explores and disseminates knowledge about this and other war memories in the relations between Norway and Russia in the North.

Through the project, we aim to enhance our knowledge as well as our teaching practices and create new bodies of knowledge to increase awareness of the (ab)use of war and other historical events for nationalistic propaganda and social or geopolitical polarisation. The project runs from 2021 to 2024.

Project leader is professor Kari Aga Myklebost

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