The contemporary power of memory: The Dilemmas for German foreign policy

Abstract
Collective memory matters in the formulation and implementation of any country's foreign policy. This is a fortiori the case in today's Germany where policy makers and the public confront an array of collective memories which are mutually antagonistic, often contradictory and still highly contentious. After presenting an argument for the validity of collective memory as a decisive factor in the creation and choice of policy, the article then describes the present “memory map” of Germany and concludes with some speculative thoughts on how persistent collective memories might influence the speed and direction of European development.

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