Zeitgeschichte im digitalen Zeitalter. Neue und alte Herausforderungen.

Kiran Klaus Patel, Contemporary History in the Digital Age. New and Old Challenges

Writing about contemporary history is facing new challenges in the digital age. The article sheds light on the practical implications for research resulting from the changes in source materials and the access to them. In view of technological innovations, changing cultural practices and new legal frameworks, it proposes that the current practice of contemporary history to advance "by decades" is outdated for the 21(st) century and also does not meet the necessary historiographical standards. While wittily written syntheses will be among the winners of the digital revolution, there has to be a rethink regarding the requirements of monographs written close to the sources. With its trenchant and provocative considerations, the article calls for a debate on a subject ignored by contemporary history for far too long.