The concept of post-exile embodies a dual meaning: it signifies both the conclusion of the exile experience and the potential for return to one’s homeland. However, it also reflects the persistence of the exile experience, indicating that exile does not have a clearly definable end point. In Latvia, part of whose population (approximately 200 000 people) lived in exile for more than 50 years after the Second World War and the consequent Soviet occupation of Latvia, the term “post-exile” has never been widely used. Instead, after regaining independence in 1991, while a small proportion of Latvians from the “old exile” and their descendants returned to Latvia, those who remained came to be classified as part of the diaspora, and the “new emigration” wave that left Latvia in the past few decades gradually merged into this community. Despite the striking differences between the two cohorts, Latvian policymakers and researchers have adopted the term “diaspora” to refer to all Latvians abroad, with studies predominantly focusing on the experiences of the new emigration.

Building upon these considerations, and also recognising that even now, more than three decades after Latvia regained its independence, distinct Latvian communities in the West are discernible based on their time of arrival, this project aims to explore the “post-exilic” period of the Latvian exile community from a historical viewpoint. As such, the main goal of the study is to examine the evolution of the Latvian exile community, which maintained a robust identity throughout the long years of Soviet occupation, and how it adapted to the rapidly changing landscape of their homeland. Moreover, the study endeavours to understand the processes of integration or, conversely, non-integration of members of the exile community into the regained homeland and of the new diaspora with representatives of the “old exile”.

In addition to traditional historical research methods, the project will leverage the scientific team’s extensive expertise in applying a biographical approach and oral history methodologies. This approach will provide insights into individuals’ sense of belonging and the evolution of identities during a period marked by significant population movements both in Latvia and globally. Moreover, by amplifying the voices of exiled Latvians and their descendants, the project can help alleviate potential tensions between exiles and local residents in Latvia, fostering empathy, understanding, and cohesion, while breaking stereotypes rooted in historical and experiential differences.

The core research team comprises: PhD Maija Krūmiņa (project leader, history), PhD Kristīne Beķere (history), PhD Maruta Pranka (sociology), PhD Daina Grosa (migration studies), Ginta Elksne (PhD candidate in sociology), and Elvis Friks (doctoral student in literary studies).

The project outputs will include scientific publications, the organising of an international conference, conference reports, and various public outreach activities. Updates on the project can be followed on the project’s website and Facebook page.

The project is funded by the Latvian Council of Science (No. LZP-2024/1-0114) and will be implemented over three years.

Information prepared by: Maija Krūmiņa maija.krumina@lu.lv