Biography
Viktor Nuždić was born in 1983 in Srbac, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Banja Luka. He has been employed at the Republic Center for Research on War, War Crimes and Search for Missing Persons since 2013 and has served as the Acting Director of the Center since 2023. He is the author and co-author of several books in the field of research regarding the Defense-Patriotic War.
Rehabilitation of the Past: Ustashe Symbolism and Historical Revisionism in Public Space
Abstract: This paper, to be presented at the roundtable in Donja Gradina on April 22, 2026, addresses the issue of historical revisionism and the resurgence of Ustashe ideology within the contemporary social and political context of the region, with a particular focus on the Republic of Croatia over the last thirty years. The author analyzes various forms of revision concerning the history of World War II, highlighting the complexity and political sensitivity of these issues.
Special attention is dedicated to the renewed use of Ustashe symbolism and greetings in public spaces, as well as differing interpretations of concentration camps and victim counts. The paper also examines the attitude toward historical figures from the period of the Independent State of Croatia and points to tendencies toward their rehabilitation within certain social and political circles.
The research further focuses on memory politics, including the erection, removal, and revision of monuments, as well as broader efforts to interpret World War II in ways that deviate from established historical facts. Specifically, the paper analyzes the position of the Serbian people in Croatia, including issues related to the use of the Cyrillic script and the destruction of memorial sites.
The study also reflects on specific political decisions, legal frameworks, and institutional practices from the 1990s to the present day, which are often interpreted in public discourse as examples of historical revisionism. Through a critical analysis of available sources and relevant literature, the author seeks to indicate both the continuity and the transformation of these phenomena.
The goal of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of contemporary processes of historical revision and their socio-political implications, and to encourage an argumentative and scientifically grounded discussion on the legacy of World War II in the region.
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