Transitional Justice: Contending with the Past

by Michael Newman

What should be done after the end of a repressive regime or a civil war? How can bitter divisions be resolved in a way that combines reconciliation with accountability? In this book, Michael Newman accessibly introduces these debates, outlining the key ideas and giving an overview of the vast literature by reference to case studies in such places as South Africa, Cambodia and Sierra Leone. While recognising that every situation is different, he argues that is vital to contend fully with the past and address the fundamental causes of mass human rights abuses.  A readable overview for those coming to the subject of transitional justice for the first time, and food for thought for those already familiar with it, this book is invaluable in areas ranging from politics and international relations to peace and conflict studies, law, human rights and philosophy.

Genres: Nonfiction

210 pages, Hardcover

Published July 22, 2019

Reviews

[Sahel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book during the tumultuous aftermath of the Assad regime's fall. Naturally, I was desperate for insights into how nations could recover from such brutal oppression. While every situation is unique, and the sheer scale of Syria's suffering under 54 years of Assad's rule is arguably unprecedented, this book offered a wealth of examples of diverse experiments in transitional justice spanning all continents.
A few random ideas that caught my attention in the book:
- Vetting and lustration are important mechanisms to prevent those who were closely affiliated with the practices of the former regime from taking public office
- There are cases where it's not the duty to remember but a duty to forget that should be honoured
- Material reparations are important but not enough, the circumstances that led to the injustice have to be changed and opportunities for economic improvement should be made available to the affected communities
- Victims should be involved in the planning and execution process for any memorials

[Ella Dayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

v useful, v concise - good prep for the diss