The article, titled “Third War of Independence? The Anti-Colonial Dynamics of Ukraine’s Politics of Memory after 2014: A Case Study of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War in Kyiv”, was written by Dr. Barbara Markowska-Marczak, a lecturer at Collegium Civitas, in collaboration with Professor Tomasz Stryjek from Collegium Civitas and Professor Joanna Konieczna-Sałamatin from the University of Warsaw. It was recently published in the journal “Acta Poloniae Historica”.

In this work, the authors delve into Ukraine’s transformation from a peripheral colony to a European nation-state, scrutinizing the evolving interpretations of Ukrainian-Russian relations across various domains, including historiography, public perception, and museum exhibitions amidst ongoing conflict. The article sheds light on the exclusive adoption of an expanding anti-colonial perspective in Ukraine’s memory politics since February 24, 2022, reflecting a broader societal reassessment of Ukraine’s past characterized by a growing interest in national history and a departure from Soviet narratives.

Museums, such as the National Museum of History of Ukraine in the Second World War in Kyiv, play a crucial role in this narrative reshaping and nurturing Ukrainian national identity. Furthermore, the article explores societal transformations since 1991, illustrating increased state identification, a gradual distancing from Russia, and a geopolitical shift towards the West, alongside aspirations to join the European Union.

The article provides a nuanced understanding of the conflict and its human dimensions through its detailed analysis, showcasing the museum’s dedication as a cornerstone of nation-state building. The paper is accessible on the Academic Journal Platform .