DOI: 10.46340/eppd.2025.12.4.4
Mykyta Petrakov, PhD in Political Science
South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after Kostiantyn Dmytrovych Ushynsky
How to cite: Petrakov M. (2025). Us National Memory and the Politics of the ‘Magа’: History, Politics, Identity. Evropský politický a právní diskurz, 12, 4, 32-43. https://doi.org/10.46340/eppd.2025.12.4.4
Abstract
This article examines the evolution of American national memorial policy through the prism of political developments that shaped the internal discourse on national unity of the American nation. The author analyzes how the memorial policy of the United States has shaped a unique political narrative that combines historical concepts of democracy, national identity, and global leadership. One of the main aspects of the study is the understanding of the foundational role of the American Revolution and the War of Independence (1775–1783), which established key ideological principles of popular sovereignty and democratic governance. The Civil War (1861–1865) is analyzed as a critical juncture that reinforced federal authority and redefined the meaning of national unity. The study considers U.S. participation in international conflicts as reflecting the country’s broader ambition to assert global leadership and promote democratic ideals abroad. Additionally, the article investigates how modern memorial policies engage with issues of social inequality, particularly in racial, ethnic, and class contexts, reflecting shifts toward inclusivity in public memory. The paper also addresses the complexities of recent political discourse, particularly under Donald Trump, whose “America First” rhetoric combined isolationism with imperial undertones. Contemporary memorial policy increasingly honors figures associated with civil rights movements and marginalized communities, thus transforming the symbolic landscape. Finally, the article highlights the necessity of reassessing national memory in response to international criticism, especially in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, when reconciling patriotism with critical reflection became a defining feature of American political culture.
Keywords: memorial policy, national identity, American Revolution, Civil War, democratic ideals, political philosophy, isolationism, global leadership, contemporary discourse.
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