We-R · Illusions of eternity: the Constitution as a lieu de mémoire and the problem of collective remembrance in the WesteRn Balkans

Illusions of eternity: the Constitution as a lieu de mémoire and the problem of collective remembrance in the WesteRn Balkans

We-R (Illusions of eternity: the Constitution as a lieu de mémoire and the problem of collective remembrance in the Western Balkans) focuses on the complex relationship between collective memory and national identity by introducing a novel perspective: a study of the Constitution as a lieu de mémoire. The main aims of the project are to better understand how and to what extent contemporary Constitutions may be used as tools for bringing the past into the present and to analyze the ways in which configurations of memory and identity through the Constitution can obstruct reconciliation and democratization processes in culturally heterogeneous societies. In addressing this topic, We-R uses as a case study the Western Balkans (including Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Kosovo), an innovative interdisciplinary approach that puts into dialogue comparative constitutional law, memory studies, and nationalism studies, and a multi-method approach that combines comparative analysis with empirical research. We-R is important because it aims to contribute to the democratic integration of multicultural societies after violent conflicts which remains one of the major global challenges not only as an objective but also as a strategy. In addressing this global challenge, We-R further contributes to the EU’s priorities under Horizon 2020 “Societal Challenges: Europe in a changing world – Inclusive, Innovative and reflective societies, ” and to the EU strategic orientation “Creating a more resilient, inclusive and democratic European society” under the Horizon Europe strategic plan and work programme. The overall objectives of the project are to develop a new theory of constitutional interpretation that takes into account the meaning of components of collective memory in Constitutions; establish the extent to which constitutional memory can obstruct democratization and reconciliation processes in post-conflict deeply divided societies, and elaborate a new practical strategy for dealing with the legacy of violent conflicts and non-democratic past, especially in culturally heterogenous societies by developing the “Practical Guidelines for Democratic Memory Construction” (DeMeCon) – an innovative series of guidelines of good practices and recommendations for democratic memory construction with a great potential to be practically implemented by national, supranational and international policy-makers.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз