The "Disarming History" report is a provisional summary of the International Conference on Combating Stereotypes and Prejudice in History Textbooks of South-East Europe, held in Visby, Sweden, from September 23-25, 1999. The event, organized by UNESCO, brought together representatives from Ministries of Education, historians, textbook authors, researchers, and editors from South-East European countries. The primary objective of the conference was to discuss the role of history education in shaping collective memory, addressing the risks of biased national narratives and exploring ways to foster reconciliation, peace, and critical historical understanding in post-conflict societies.
The conference explored various themes through plenary sessions, workshops, and national presentations, all aimed at "disarming" history by eliminating bias from textbooks and fostering critical engagement with the past. Key discussions included:
- The Role of History Education in Conflict and Reconciliation: How historical narratives influence national identity, political ideology, and intergroup relations, particularly in regions with a history of conflict.
- Textbook Analysis and Revision: Examining the content of South-East European history textbooks to identify and address nationalist bias, omissions, and stereotyping of neighboring countries.
- Promoting Multiperspectivity: Encouraging the inclusion of diverse voices, such as those of ethnic minorities, marginalized groups, and multiple national perspectives, to ensure a more comprehensive and fair representation of historical events.
- Lessons from International Models: Case studies from Germany, South Africa, and other post-conflict societies, showcasing how history education can be reformed to promote reconciliation and prevent future conflicts.
Read the publication here.
[Informations provided by Lidija Suica]
