CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Kanatbekova, Nazerke |
|---|---|
| Title | Nuclear Weapons Testing in Kazakhstan: The Shaping of Collective Memory and National Identity |
| Summary | This study investigates how the history of nuclear weapons testing at the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan is addressed in nation-building efforts, examining the alignment and disparities between state narratives and public perceptions. Employing a multimodal critical discourse analysis of the state-sponsored TV series “Polygon” and a thematic content analysis of a group discussion with young adults from the affected region, the research highlights that both the state and the people view the nuclear testing as a national tragedy. While the state narrative emphasizes the leadership of Nursultan Nazarbayev and downplays political activism, public perception also acknowledges other influential figures and reveals a complex interplay between national and post-Soviet identities. The thesis underscores the intricate dynamics between the state-led narratives and individual interpretations in the formation of national identity and collective memory in Kazakhstan. |
| Supervisor | Ana Mijic |
| Department | Nationalism Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/kanatbekova_nazerke.pdf |
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