Krzysztof Stala

Barbara Törnquist-Plewa

Focusing on the profound transformation in Central and Eastern Europe since the fall of the Iron Curtain, this record analyzes complex cultural dimensions, such as lifestyles, habits, value markers, and identity. Written by a group of experts, it presents case studies from the former communist countries that are members of the European Union today and attempts to answer crucial questions about the constructions of a new identity in the region: Have the processes of democratization and opening the borders produced mentality changes and new value systems? Is there a convergence of values and cultures between the new and old EU-members? Have there been backlashes in the processes of reconstructing national identities? This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in European integration, issues of national identity, and the politics and culture of the post-Communist countries.

Central and Eastern Europe in Focus

Cultural Transformations After Communism

Catharina Raudvere

Trine Stauning Willert

A broad discussion about how history and religion contribute to identity politics in contemporary Europe, this book provides case studies exemplifying how public intellectuals and academics have taken an active part in the construction of recent and traditional pasts. Instead of repeating the simplistic explanation as a return of religion, this volume focuses on public platforms and agents and their use of religion as a political and cultural argument. Filled with previously unpublished data gathered from texts, interviews, field observations, artifacts, and material culture, this record challenges stereotypical images of East and Southeast Europe.

New Actors in Central and Southeast Europe on Religion, Authenticity and Belonging

Rethinking the Space for Religion

What happens to people's sense of belonging when globalisation meets with proclaimed regional identities resting heavily on conceptions of religion and ethnicity? Who are the actors stressing cultural heritage and authenticity as tools for self-understanding? In this book the authors aim at a broad discussion on how history and religion are made part of the production of narratives about origin and belonging in contemporary Europe. The contributors offer localised studies where actors with strong agendas indicate the complex relations between history, religion, and identity. The case studies exemplify how public intellectuals and academics have taken active part in the construction of recent and traditional pasts. Instead of repeating the simplistic explanation as a "return of religion", the authors of this volume focus on public platforms and agents, and their use of religion as a political and cultural argument. The approach makes a nuanced and fresh survey for researchers and other initiated readers to engage in.

Krzysztof Stala

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