From the poison cabinets of communism
Methodological issues in dealing with the surveillance files in Southeastern and Central Europe
What does the content of a surveillance file actually say about the communist era and its actors? Can victim and perpetrator
victim and perpetrator roles always be clearly assigned? Where does the reappraisal for the good of society end and where does personal
personal vendettas begin?
victim and perpetrator roles always be clearly assigned? Where does the reappraisal for the good of society end and where does personal
personal vendettas begin?
Many questions facing science have proven relevant to broader societal issues. An unrestricted and uncontrolled use of the knowledge in the files can, at best, damage careers, at at worst, destroy livelihoods. On the other hand, it seems highly problematic to use the pretext of protecting persons from the arbitrariness of a public discourse of guilt and accusation.
