Stalinist Repression in Estonia: State of the Research and Open Questions
Stalinist Repression in Estonia: State of the Research and Open Questions

Summary/Abstract: This article focuses on the research of Stalinist repression in Estonia, observing the work done within the past 25 years. Understandably, many studies have concentrated on victims and repressive institutions. The public concern for the topics in the 1990s has considerably declined in recent years. Although by today we have an excellent overview of committed acts of violence, there are numerous aspects that require in-depth research. It is necessary to notice not only the victims and perpetrators, but also common citizens’ forms of action both in crucial and everyday situations. The engagement of fellow-citizens in various punishment operations, staging “guilt” and confrontation, and other similar maneuvers caused tensions in the population and as such facilitated the established control over society. Mapping various measures taken by the state and the experiences gained by different social groups is an essential stage in interpretation of tough times. This work needs to be continued.

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