Authors

Shan Huang¹;  ¹ Tsinghua University, China

Discussion

Monuments, with their historical, political, and cultural significance, have long adorned urban landscapes. In the Baltic States, however, the presence of Soviet-era monuments serves as a reflection of deep-seated divisions among the populace regarding issues of history, ethnicity, and nationalism. This essay primarily examines Soviet monuments in the Baltics, particularly focusing on the recent toppling of the Victory Monument in Riga, to shed light on the ongoing struggles related to the decolonization process within these societies.

The analysis delves into the complex nature of these monuments, evaluating their historical significance and the contemporary debates they provoke. The dismantling of Soviet monuments emerges as a pivotal component of the Baltic decolonization efforts, particularly from the perspective of the indigenous Baltic populations. In contrast, local Russian communities often harbor different collective memories associated with these monuments, highlighting underlying ethnic tensions and societal fractures.

The article emphasizes that the challenges facing the Baltic States cannot be resolved through simplistic ethnic dichotomies. It critiques the dominant approach that aims to replace one historical narrative with another, arguing that this method remains influenced by colonial discourse. The process of decolonization in the Baltic and post-Soviet regions necessitates a more inclusive and pluralistic perspective on history and national identity.