New Books Network Andrea Graziosi and Frank E. Sysyn, "Communism and Hunger: The Ukrainian, Chinese, Kazakh, and Soviet Famines in Comparative Perspective" (CIUS Press, 2016)
Jun 28, 2025
Frank E. Sysyn and Andrea Graziosi dive into the harrowing famines of the 20th century, comparing the Ukrainian Holodomor, the Kazakh great hunger, and the Chinese famine under Mao. Sysyn's personal ties to Ukrainian history enrich the discussion, while Graziosi sheds light on how political motives made these famines acts of repression. They also explore the evolution of genocide recognition and the significance of preserving survivor narratives. Their insights challenge perceptions of famine as merely natural disasters, revealing deep political complexities.
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Frank Sysyn's Holodomor Journey
- Frank Sysyn shares his personal connection to the Holodomor through family and community experience.
- His lifelong involvement evolved from early awareness to academic and diaspora collaborative research.
Andrea Graziosi's Path to Soviet Studies
- Andrea Graziosi recounts growing up in a communist family and evolving political views.
- His study of Soviet famines unfolded from archival discoveries and reflections on ideological silencing.
Mechanisms Behind Silence on Famines
- Silence around famines arises from rejection of survivor testimony and deliberate state denial.
- Political and ideological motives heavily influence what societies choose to remember or ignore.
