Department of Research on Eastern Europe’s History and Memory

Research areas

The founder (1991) and first Head of the Department was professor Tomasz Strzembosz. The Department carries out research on history (1939-1953) and contemporary change in the countries of Central (Poland, Baltic states, former Yugoslavia) and Eastern (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus) Europe and Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, North Caucasus republics). Particular emphasis is put on Ukraine and Polish-Ukrainian relations.

Applying methodology of historical research, we investigate the fight of national underground and independent organizations (notably scouts) in the 1940s, conflicts between them, their persecution by occupation authorities (Third Reich and USSR) as well as totalitarian regimes and social engineering that accompanied them. Special attention is dedicated to the analysis of mass murders committed by both the states and guerrilla troops.

Using sociology and political science methods we look at how contemporary identity and collective memory in the countries of the region are shaped by images of major XX-century events, especially 1917-1921, 1939-1953, collapse of the USSR and Yugoslavia. In this context, we are interested in the situation of Poles in the former Soviet Union countries. Our research concentrates on memory politics led by state authorities, political parties, memory institutions and also on media activities.

We principally aim at conducting comparative research: we compare historical experiences but also their reflections in identity and memory of post-communist states and societies.

Contact Information

Our Faculty

Bartłomiej Krzysztan, Ph.D.
Department of Research on Eastern Europe's History and Memory

Bartłomiej Krzysztan, Ph.D.

Bartłomiej Krzysztan, Ph.D. is an assistant professor at the Institute of Political...
Paweł Rokicki, Ph.D.
Department of Research on Eastern Europe’s History and Memory

Paweł Rokicki, Ph.D.

Research interests Polish-Lithuanian relations in XX century Polish independence...
Professor Tomasz Stryjek
Department of Research on Eastern Europe’s History and Memory

Professor Tomasz Stryjek

Research interests Collective memory, politics of memory and identity politics in...
Professor Grzegorz Motyka
Department of Research on Eastern Europe's History and Memory

Professor Grzegorz Motyka

Research interests Polish-Ukrainian conflict 1943-1947. Polish-Ukrainian relations...
Professor Przemysław Adamczewski
Department of Research on Eastern Europe's History and Memory

Professor Przemysław Adamczewski

Przemysław  Adamczewski,  dr hab.,  researcher  of  the  Caucasus;  graduate ...
Mariusz Zajączkowski, Ph.D.
Department of Research on Eastern Europe's History and Memory

Mariusz Zajączkowski, Ph.D.

Research interests Polish-Ukrainian relations in the years 1939-1947. Activities...
Martyna Rusiniak-Karwat, Ph.D.
Department of Research on Eastern Europe's History and Memory

Martyna Rusiniak-Karwat, Ph.D.

Research interests Contemporary Jewish history Political doctrines of the Jewish...