Twenty-First Century Memory Regimes in Germany and Poland: An Analysis of Elite Discourses and Public Opinion

The political importance of collective memory is undeniable today in an increasing number of countries. Yet, there are few other places where memories are so powerful and historical sensitivities so raw as in Central and Eastern Europe--especially in Germany and Poland and their relationship. This article delves into two main issues. After a review of recent theorizing about collective memory, it looks in detail at the discursive and political dynamics of memory, especially responses to the resurgent memory of German suffering at the elite level in both cases. Second, the article shifts focus from the elite production of memories to the neglected issue of their reception by average citizens through an analysis of various pubic opinion data. The intent is to assess the degree to which elite memory discourses resonate at the mass level potentially to influence the political attitudes, values, and behaviors of individuals.