Memories of War and Their Relevance for the Conflict: The Case of Chechnya

Project idea

The primary objective of this project is to develop scientific competences of the research fellow through a study of Chechen memories of Chechnyan wars that took place in 1994-1996 and 1999-2009. The project will provide opportunities for the development of the researcher skills and bring up a leading researcher in the field of Chechen war memory. This is especially important as, given the limited research in this field, there is a shortage of specialists of this research area in Europe. The project will contribute to the collection of memories of the aforementioned Chechen wars and the assessment of the sustainability of peace. The importance of memories for the sustainability of peace has long been established by scientists (Selimovic 2013, McDowell & Braniff 2014). Knowing what memories are cherished, one can understand whether the collective memory incites ethnic hatred and armed conflict. In addition, the project will also contribute to the collection of primary material on Chechen war memories, filling this gap in the scientific literature. As a result, the project will provide a basis for further research in collective memory, conflict and related areas.