Rethinking History: Projects of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation’s Branch in Russian Federation

Abstract

This article explores a number of projects of the Russian branch of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation dedicated to historical memory. Key directions and principles of the Foundation’s activities are characterized, in which the theme of commemoration of prominent figures of the left movement occupies a significant place. The article analyses Russian translations and publications of Michael Brie, supported by the Foundation and motivated by a desire to rethink important milestones in Russian and German history from scholarly and practical points of view. It also examines deeds of great personalities such as Vladimir Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg. The authors discuss not only methods and techniques of exploring biographical material, but also about the relevance of Lenin and Luxemburg’s ideas to present-day thinkers. Securing positions of Lenin and Luxemburg’s works in historical memory is vital and various forms of visualization play a significant role in this — the publication of an annotated catalog of Lenin’s photographs, preparation of the exhibition for the anniversary of Rosa Luxemburg, the release of Luxemburg’s biography in comic book form, as well as presentations regularly held in the office of the Moscow bureau of the Foundation. The Foundation has repeatedly supported major scholarly events dedicated to the anniversaries of both Lenin and Luxemburg. Everyone has the opportunity to be acquainted with the collections’ materials, and thanks to the support of the Foundation, books are distributed free of charge.