The past as an argument: War over the interpretation of memory politics since 1945

Immediately after 1945, the struggles over interpreting this past began: How could it have happened? Which victims are remembered, and how? Who is considered a perpetrator, who a follower, and how should they be treated? And what exactly does "Never Again" refer to? For more than eight decades, these questions have been repeatedly and controversially discussed under ever-changing circumstances.

Two impressive new publications illuminate these debates from different perspectives:

In "Never Again: Germans and Genocide After the Holocaust," the American historian Andrew I. Port examines how the confrontation with the Holocaust in divided and unified Germany shaped and influenced the handling of other genocides.

In her newly published book, "Renewal of the Old Right," historian and cultural studies scholar Marie Müller-Zetzsche analyzes the deliberate attempts by the far right to steer the discourse on historical memory in line with its politics and ideology. Moderated by Frank Wolff, both guests will present their books at the second edition of our book salon.

Admission is free. Registration is accepted via the online form on the website of the Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt Foundation.

The event will be held in German and will subsequently be available as a podcast.