Abstract
Exploring the question of whether ICTY’s work has contributed to inter-ethnic reconciliation in the former Yugoslavia, this inter-disciplinary chapter – which is both conceptual and empirical – adopts a novel perspective by extending the purview beyond factual truths. Instead it focuses on what it terms meta-normative truths. These higher-level truths are not about who did what to whom, but about human suffering and the (im)morality of particular behaviours and conduct in war. Precisely because they transcend ethnic belonging, these truths provide a stronger basis for building reconciliation than frequently-contentious factual truths. Developing this argument and drawing on Goldin’s work on meta-affect, the chapter further maintains that meta-normative truths have the greatest potential to alter localized meta-affective contexts that fuel denial, support for convicted war criminals and the persistence of competing ethnic narratives. Although the Tribunal has now completed its mandate, it can indirectly contribute to inter-ethnic reconciliation – as part of its long-term legacy – if the meta-normative truths implicit in its work are given more attention and actively utilized in reconciliation efforts on the ground.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Legacies of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia |
Subtitle of host publication | A Multidisciplinary Account |
Editors | Carsten Stahn, Carmel Agius, Serge Brammertz, Colleen Rohan |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Chapter | 31 |
Number of pages | 20 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780198862956 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11 Jun 2020 |
Keywords
- inter-ethnic reconciliation
- meta-normative truth
- contentious factual truth
- ethnic narrative
- meta-affective context