Victory Monument in Riga

The ‘Victory Monument’ in Riga, imbued with the historical memory of World War II and the
legacy of Soviet rule, has been the subject of a long-standing contestation in Latvian society.
While some view it as a symbol of Soviet victory against Germany in World War II, others
regard it as a symbol of Soviet re-occupation of Latvia. This case study contends that
historical reconciliation can be perceived differently by all parties, exploring how national
memory often brings forth conflicting narratives. Further, this case examines how the
contestation of memory can have immense diplomatic effects.