TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

Covers the ways in which societies emerging from authoritarianism and intractable civil wars and transitioning to a peaceful post-conflict existence address legacies of past crimes, injustices, and human rights violations. How do we deal with past atrocities or conflicts and still build strong foundations communities to live together? Is justice or forgiveness the best option? Are these the only options possible? Does truth-telling provide a guarantee that communities will be able to live together again? Is justice required for painful memories of past acts to be put to rest? Is it possible to pursue both justice and reconciliation at the same time? Students will also examine the dilemma that many post-conflict societies face; whether to seek reconciliation with past enemies or exact revenge for their deeds. Case studies include South Africa, Rwanda, El Salvador, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Germany, Iraq and the U.S. handling of issues such as Japanese internment.