Mnemonic Security Dilemma. Memory as Casus Belli

Abstract

The article presents arguments allowing the notion of security dilemma to be extended to historical memory and competing narratives of the past. In the international arena, securitization of historical narratives can lead to a mnemonic security dilemma. Systematic challenging of the most important historical narratives of state A by key mnemonic actors of state B puts the political elites of state A before a choice: ignore this action or develop a set of measures aimed at countering attempts to undermine “their own” narrative and discredit historical narratives significant for the consolidation of society in state B. Under these conditions, the incompatibility of narratives becomes an important and even constitutive factor in the formation of macropolitical identity. The article considers different options for the emergence of a mnemonic security dilemma during conflicts between Serbia and Croatia, and between Russia and Ukraine. It shows that a mnemonic security dilemma significantly complicates the resolution of interstate conflicts.