Reimagining Soviet Georgia
Episode 49: History & Anti-Communism with Stefan Gužvica
Mar 19, 2025
Stefan Gužvica, an assistant professor at the Higher School of Economics in Saint Petersburg, dives into the contentious history of communism and anti-communism. He critiques the ‘Black Book of Communism’, revealing its historical inaccuracies and the impact of anti-communist narratives on scholarship. The conversation also explores the complexities of historical memory in Europe, the legacy of Bolshevik movements, and how these themes shape contemporary leftist politics. Gužvica advocates for a nuanced understanding of these narratives for a more informed discourse.
01:07:37
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast critiques 'The Black Book of Communism' for perpetuating anti-communist myths and lacking sound methodological grounding.
- It highlights the historical roots of modern anti-communism as shaped by Cold War ideologies that oversimplify communist movements.
Deep dives
Understanding Balkan Marxism
The discussion highlights the author's extensive research on Balkan Marxism, emphasizing its two main themes: the national question and economic dependency. Through an intellectual history lens, the author explores how early Yugoslav communists engaged with socialist ideology, balancing between revolutionary aspirations and the realities of their socio-political contexts. An important aspect of this research reflects on the contributions of notable Yugoslav communists, countering the narrative that they were mere victims of Stalinist repression. This broader understanding of Balkan Marxism intends to challenge the prevailing historical interpretations and encourage a nuanced perspective of communist movements in the region.
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