How important are mobilizations such as protests or uprisings in transformation processes? Mass protests play an important role, at least when authoritarian regimes and dictatorships are replaced. This is proven, for example, by the revolutionary, historical upheavals in Eastern and East-Central Europe in 1989/90, because the socialist systems of rule could only be broken up through the protest movements.
But political protests are also indicators of society's reactions to profound processes of change. Of particular importance is the development of civil society structures that are ready to protest. The rise of organized labor, for example, signaled an unprecedented development in the history of uprisings, particularly in Europe. And young people have always been at the forefront of political protests. In the recent past, for example, the protests of the "Arab Spring" testified to this. However, other revolutions in recent history have apparently disappeared from public awareness, such as the so-called "Spring Revolution" and with it the history of the civil war in Myanmar.
What narrative or interpretation of resistance and rebellion against authoritarian regimes and dictatorships is remembered? To what extent do the protagonists of the protests, uprisings and revolutions feel that their political actions are accurately represented by official museums, monuments and commemorative practices? And how can a past that was often marked by violence and oppression be remembered with the aim of social reconciliation without handing down existing resentments or stirring up new enemy images?
We would like to address these and other questions within the scope of the summer school.
The summer school is supported by the Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship and consists of 8 online meetings in July and August and an in person meeting in Berlin from august 13th to august 16th.
In addition to their own short presentation of the topic, participants can expect a wide-ranging program of introductory and specialist lectures, workshops, cultural events and a platform for an inspiring and varied exchange. As a result, articles should be written by the participants for online publication by the end of September.
Advanced students and doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences from Germany and Europe can apply for the total of 15 places until May 19, 2023. In addition to the application form (https://t1p.de/z0nk3), the application must include a confirmation of enrollment, proof of English proficiency (level B2) and a CV (no longer than one page). Please send the application by email only to lukas.zidella@deutsche-gesellschaft-ev.de.