Nationalism, Memory, and the Battle for Identity: ‘After the Fall’ in Focus

How Stories, Statues, and Schoolbooks Shape Who We Are

Who gets to decide what a nation remembers—and what it forgets? ‘After the Fall’ dives deep into the politics of memory, showing how battles over statues, school curriculums, and national holidays are really battles over identity. In Budapest, the author walks through city squares where old Soviet monuments have been replaced by new symbols of nationalism. In American classrooms, teachers debate how to teach the country’s history of slavery and segregation. Everywhere, the past is up for grabs.

The book argues that controlling history is a key tactic for authoritarian leaders. By rewriting the story of the nation, they define who is included, who is excluded, and what the future should look like. This process is not just top-down; it plays out in families, communities, and even on social media, as people grapple with their own memories and those handed down by previous generations.

Yet, the author finds hope in the resilience of personal stories. Teachers who refuse to whitewash the past, activists who demand the removal of oppressive monuments, and families who keep alive the memory of resistance all play a role in shaping a more honest and inclusive identity. The book’s message is clear: Identity is not set in stone—it can be expanded, reclaimed, and used to heal rather than divide.

For anyone interested in the intersection of culture, politics, and history, ‘After the Fall’ offers a powerful reminder that the stories we tell about ourselves matter—and that each of us can help write the next chapter.