98

To compare the diversity of the trajectories of Afghan veterans in Moldova and Lithuania, two countries of the former Soviet Union, this article uses the results of a qualitative survey centered on life narratives. What place do these veterans of the Soviet war in Afghanistan have in these two societies, which share a Soviet past but have had quite different experiences after the collapse of the USSR? The evolution of these veterans’ material and symbolic status in the new states is explored. Beyond the quest for recognition that every veteran has the right to expect from those who sent them to war, attention is paid to the mobilization of these veterans to obtain recognition of their legal status, rights and social benefits in a context that might, or might not, bring new opportunities. What means have these veterans used to mobilize support in their quest for a fair redistribution?