Kaloeva Elena Borisovna – PhD in History, member of the editorial Buard of the journal «Russia and the contemporary world».
Modern history of interethnic and interstate relations between Bulgarians and Macedonians, Bulgaria and North Macedonia is an example of a complex process of identity formation and historical and ideological justification for new regimes, when historical memory is both an important component of development and a factor that has a negative impact on relations between two peoples. In this case, we are talking, among other things, about the emotional «geopolitics» of fear, humiliation and hope, embedded in cultural, economic, social and territorial geopolitics. In the era of globalism, emotions which often form the basis of discussions, have greater significance than ever before, control people’s behavior and influence the definition of «Other». Cultural policy creates the image of the «Other» through emotions, through the prism of symbols or metaphors, thereby emphasizing the existing boundaries of difference. Such a policy has, on the one hand, a connecting, and on the other hand, a destructive and marginalizing nature. Discussions about the concept of “nation”, some of which are analyzed in the article, contain myths and historical facts, reflect the foreign policy goals of modern states and their political elites, the dynamics of social relations and the mood of the masses. Perhaps most importantly, these discussions have an impact on the formation of a new geopolitical reality, culture and traditions of future generations. At the same time, if there is political will, a common historical memory, as analysts believe, can become a link that ensures peace in the region.
Balkans, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Macedonian-Bulgarian relations, national identity, historical memory.
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