Monumental Choices: Memory, Security, and Community in Estonia

Studio Central and Eastern Europe

In this episode, host Maryna Shevtsova, senior FWO researcher at KU Leuven, sits down with Alexandra Yatsyk, a researcher at the University of Lille, to explore the complex intersections of history, identity, and politics in Estonia’s public spaces.
Since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine in 2022, Soviet-era monuments in Estonia have come under renewed scrutiny, sparking heated debates and media interest in both Estonian and Russian-speaking communities. Alexandra Yatsyk delves into the concept of mnemonic security—how collective memory and symbols like monuments are used to preserve identity and social cohesion in times of uncertainty.
The discussion unpacks the delicate balance Estonia faces as it relocates these controversial monuments. For Estonians, they represent Soviet oppression, while for the Russian-speaking minority, they are markers of acknowledgment. The episode examines whether these actions will bridge divides or deepen alienation, how shared understanding can be fostered, and the role of media in shaping these narratives.
This episode offers fresh insights into memory politics, societal cohesion, and the transformative power of public spaces.