Justice Entrepreneurs and the Struggle for Accountability in South America: Comparative Reflections on Transitional Justice and Operation Condor

Abstract

In recent decades, numerous South American countries have lived through long-lasting transitions, endeavouring to consolidate democratic governance while simultaneously trying to shed light onto unspeakable state-sponsored atrocities. Some countries were able to successfully investigate the crimes of the recent past, while others significantly lagged behind, even leaning towards impunity. Scholars have explained these varied accountability outcomes with reference to variables such as veto players, international pressure, and judicial leadership. This chapter focuses instead on civil society. Using examples from criminal prosecutions for Operation Condor crimes and broader transitional justice policies across South America, it is contended here, first, that human rights activists have played a fundamental role in accountability processes, acting as a relentless force for truth and justice and developing innovative strategies to counter state-sponsored policies of silence and impunity. Second, the concept of “justice entrepreneurs” is introduced to better analyse the crucial part these actors have played and unpack in detail six sets of strategic actions they have carried out over time. The existence and active mobilisation of justice entrepreneurs represents a necessary precondition for achieving accountability.