The Use and Misuse of Historical Names: Who Gets Remembered and Why It Matters

Names like Alexander Dubček, once erased and later revived, show how historical figures are strategically reinterpreted. From symbols of freedom to warnings against “naiveté,” their meaning shifts with political needs. This is not unique to Dubček: states and movements routinely cancel or rehabilitate figures from Caligula to Stalin, Washington to Bandera, to legitimize goals, discredit rivals, or spark controversy. Drawing on research from the CARP Lab, this presentation explores how such re-framings shape collective memory, deepen or bridge: divides, and how historical literacy can help us navigate what is remembered, erased, and weaponized.