Political Commemoration: The Inclusion Dynamics of 'Partisan Commemoration'

Abstract

The paper examines how politically partisan commemoration appears divisive, yet can paradoxically underpin peace by cohering communities ambivalent about the direction of travel during the dislocations of transition. Partisan forms of memory can also assist key groups to adapt their ethno-national narratives so that they are congruent with a more peaceful environment. However, partisan memory may still present risks to peace in undermining trust and maintaining an ongoing cultural conflict of symbols and narratives; the paper discusses ways this can be counter-balanced with more inclusive and critical forms of commemoration.

Keywords: Political Commemoration, Politics of Memory, Ethno-Nationalism, Northern Ireland, Peacebuilding