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2024 | OriginalPaper | Buchkapitel

From Zero to Hero: A Conceptual Framework of Creating and Recreating Heroism Based on the Estonian Experience

verfasst von : Kairi Kasearu, Tiia-Triin Truusa, Eleri Lillemäe

Erschienen in: Military Heroism in a Post-Heroic Era

Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland

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Abstract

Estonia’s contemporary defense policy is based on inclusive heroism—a comprehensive approach where every citizen is expected to contribute to the state defence in case of conflict. Based on the Estonian case study, we formulate the three key aspects that frame the construction of heroism: geopolitical ramifications, sociocultural structures, and temporal aspects. Geopolitical ramification has two main dimensions: geographical location and historical and political implications. Together, they form the context and define the function of heroes—how much past-, present- or future-oriented the social construction of heroism is. The mechanisms of the social construction of heroism are: (1) the formation of national and nation creation narratives related to past victories—winning and losing wars; and (2) the contemporary use and transformation of these narratives shaping the defence culture, the general public’s understanding of defence and security needs and their responsibilities, and modes of social recognition. Temporal aspects comprise three time dimensions: post-factum glorification, legitimizing present military acts and individuals, and laying the groundwork for future heroic deeds.

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Titel: From Zero to Hero: A Conceptual Framework of Creating and Recreating Heroism Based on the Estonian Experience
verfasst von: Kairi Kasearu
Tiia-Triin Truusa
Eleri Lillemäe
Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland
Buch: Military Heroism in a Post-Heroic Era
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-51555-2

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-51556-9

Copyright-Jahr: 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51556-9_7