Release of the 29th National History Commission’s compendium ‘The Impossible Resistance: Latvia Between Two Totalitarian Regimes 1940−1991’ will be marked by a discussion ‘Telling history: research, policies, communication’, which will focus on history policy as an instrumental element of Latvia’s policy framework as a democratic European state. It will take place on April 1, at 13:00, at the Riga Castle.
History, like language and culture, is the fundamental element of consolidated nation and national characteristics of a state. Historic narratives are important for state’s and society’s domestic and foreign views. States are expected to promote and support history research projects on academic level and make sure public has access to historic concepts and interpretations, uses them in discourse and cognitive activities. State must also discourage all kinds of distorted pseud-history.
What is Latvia’s history policy? What have we done in terms of research? What do we need to do to make sure our historical research projects help us shape Latvia into a modern democratic state? These are the main questions to be discussed by delegates of the conference.
Discussion will be opened by the President of Latvia Egils Levits. Valters Nollendorfs, Professor Emeritus, Scientific Editor of the Compendium 29 of the National History Commission, and Mārtiņš Mintaurs, lead researcher of the Latvian National Library and professor at the University of Latvia Faculty of History and Philosophy, will also deliver opening remarks.
Panellists invited to the discussion will include diplomat and historian Kārlis Eihenbaums, Dace Melbārde, MEP, Jānis Sārts, Director, NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, Valters Ščerbinskis, Chief Editor of the National Encyclopaedia, Scientific Editor of the Compendium 29 of the National History Commission, and diplomat and historian Mārtiņš Virsis. Discussion will be moderated by Mārtiņš Kaprāns, lead researcher of University of Latvia Institute of Philosophy and Sociology.
Discussion will be livestreamed on Presidential Chancery’s webpage and social media pages of President Levits, as well as news portal LETA.