Dealing with the aftermath of civil conflict or the fall of a repressive government continues to trouble countries throughout the world. Whereas much of the 1990s was occupied with debates concerning the relative merits of criminal prosecutions and truth commissions, by the end of the decade a consensus emerged that this either/or approach was inappropriate and unnecessary. A second generation of transitional justice experiences have stressed both truth and justice and recognize that a single method may inadequately serve societies rebuilding after conflict or dictatorship. Based on studies in ten countries, this book analyzes how some combine multiple institutions, others experiment with community-level initiatives that draw on traditional law and culture, whilst others combine internal actions with transnational or international ones. The authors argue that transitional justice efforts must also consider the challenges to legitimacy and local ownership emerging after external military intervention or occupation.

'… a collection of contemporary case studies that reflect recent developments in the political and conceptual bases of transitional justice. The collection is appealing on a number of levels. It is attractively presented, accessible and in tune with key developments of the field. … It is particularly valuable that the editors have averted their focus from the well trodden path of international criminal justice … The contributions instead address less-commonly acknowledged challenges, such as institutional sequencing, demobilization and reintegration of combatants … I have referred to this book repeatedly in the few weeks it has been sitting on my desk. It is an informative and extremely convenient presentation of transitional justice ‘snapshots’ … a worthwhile investment for students and practitioners alike.'

Source: Sociology