Interpreting the Past - From Political Manipulation to Critical Analysis?

Author(s): Oliver Reisner
Editor(s): Lili Di Puppo, Iris Kempe, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic
Series: Caucasus Analytical Digest (CAD)
Issue: 8
Pages: 2-4
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Jefferson Institute, Washington D.C.; Heinrich Böll Foundation, Tbilisi; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2009

Georgian historians are not alone in taking a bifurcated view of Russia, with some seeking closer ties and others blaming it for Georgia's problems. Over time, these views have influenced the writing of Georgian textbooks. The first generation of textbooks published after the collapse of the USSR simply included superficial updates to Soviet versions. The second generation critically redefined Russia's role in Georgia's past. The most recent, third, generation focuses on equipping young Georgian citizens with the tools of critical analysis. However, unless there is more dialogue between the two camps of historians, politicians will continue to manipulate history for their narrow purposes.

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