Episode 07 | Rethinking History with Prof. Korostelina: Identity, Reconciliation and the Power of Memory in Peacebuilding
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this enlightening episode, Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong and her co-hosts welcome Dr. Karina Korostelina, Director of the Sustainable Peace Lab at George Mason University, to discuss the profound impact of collective memory on conflict and reconciliation. Korostelina argues that physical locations such as monuments and museums, are not merely static records of the past but active political tools that shape national identity and future conflict dynamics. She introduces concepts from her new book, Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics, explaining how these sites often 'ascribe' negative traits to perceived enemies or 'enhance' a group's own narrative at the expense of others. Furthermore, the conversation challenges the traditional liberal peace model, advocating instead for a local turn that prioritizes community resilience and agonistic history—acknowledging multiple, coexisting interpretations of the same events. Ultimately, Dr. Korostelina emphasizes that education is key to disrupting monolithic narratives and fostering lasting peace.
This episode is hosted by Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com
If you are curious about Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics, check out her new book, 'Memory Sites and Conflict DynamicsCollective Memory, Identity, and Power' and visit the Sustainable Peace Lab's website linked below.
Korostelina, K. V. (2025). Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics: Collective Memory, Identity, and Power. Routledge.Korostelina, K. V., Gopin, M., Helsing, J. W., & Özerdem, A. (Eds.). (2024). Identity and religion in peace processes: Mechanisms, strategies and tactics. Taylor & Francis.The Sustainable Peace Lab
Contact Conversations4citizenship
Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheongBluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comSubmit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.comYou can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.socialThanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!
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In this enlightening episode, Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong and her co-hosts welcome Dr. Karina Korostelina, Director of the Sustainable Peace Lab at George Mason University, to discuss the profound impact of collective memory on conflict and reconciliation. Korostelina argues that physical locations such as monuments and museums, are not merely static records of the past but active political tools that shape national identity and future conflict dynamics. She introduces concepts from her new book, Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics, explaining how these sites often 'ascribe' negative traits to perceived enemies or 'enhance' a group's own narrative at the expense of others. Furthermore, the conversation challenges the traditional liberal peace model, advocating instead for a local turn that prioritizes community resilience and agonistic history—acknowledging multiple, coexisting interpretations of the same events. Ultimately, Dr. Korostelina emphasizes that education is key to disrupting monolithic narratives and fostering lasting peace. This episode is hosted by Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com If you are curious about Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics, check out her new book, 'Memory Sites and Conflict DynamicsCollective Memory, Identity, and Power' and visit the Sustainable Peace Lab's website linked below. Korostelina, K. V. (2025). Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics: Collective Memory, Identity, and Power. Routledge.Korostelina, K. V., Gopin, M., Helsing, J. W., & Özerdem, A. (Eds.). (2024). Identity and religion in peace processes: Mechanisms, strategies and tactics. Taylor & Francis.The Sustainable Peace Lab Contact Conversations4citizenship Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheongBluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.comSubmit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.comYou can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.socialThanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!