"Å skape mening i konsolideringens navn". Den russiske revolusjonens hundreårsjubileum

Abstract

The centenary of the Russian Revolution is to be commemorated in 2017. This article concerns the Putin administration’s approach to history regarding the event. Generally speaking, Putin’s approach to history aims to use historical knowledge as a vehicle for the promotion of national unity, following the long period of disruption and decline after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. It is no secret that Putin and his closest staff are not overly enthusiastic about the 1917 Revolution, and there is even a certain fear in the Kremlin that Russia could be hit by a new revolution, a so-called ‘colour revolution’. A commemoration of the Russian Revolution will nonetheless take place under the aegis of the Russian Ministry of Culture, most likely with an emphasis on the negative consequences. This may provide an opportunity to encourage reconciliation between the adherents and adversaries of the Revolution – and of the Soviet epoch that it introduced. Heroes from both sides of the barricades will be honoured, and those guilty of terrorism and mass murder condemned. Apart from this, however, there will be little focus on the historical and ethical bases on which this reconciliation will take place.