Transitional Justice: Between Peacebuilding and Reconciliation

Abstract

Peacebuilding and reconciliation are one core part of transitional justice measures and processes after a conflict, war or dictatorship has ended. However, the impact that transitional justice measures, such as trials, truth commissions, reparations, memorials or amnesties, may have on peace and reconciliation depends strongly on political circumstances and will whether the new political elite aims to establish a truly inclusive and democratic society or rather an exclusive and autocratic society. This chapter will also deal with the question on what comes first, the rule of law or reconciliation, and what importance the societal strive for truth and a common narrative play in accepting transitional justice tools to build sustainable peace.