Public History in Russia: The Past, the Present, and (Thoughts About) the Future

Abstract This discussion’s participants – all public historians working on Russia, albeit from different disciplinary backgrounds and with areas of expertise speak about the past present (public) history in country, touch upon possible futures. Beginning an acknowledgment immense interest historical knowledge that characterized 1990s, conversation goes to examine rise official politics Putin’s Russia their impact science, memory work, engagement more broadly. These developments contextualize establishment first programs at Russian universities early 2010s, discussed here both specificities compared other countries. At heart is war aggression launched against Ukraine February 2022. The discussion see it as a caesura, while same highlighting continuities regime’s before after invasion. Issues postcolonialism decolonization are also raised, well question historians’ responsibility for ongoing tragedy.