Remembrance and Forgiveness: Global and Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Genocide and Mass Violence

This volume examines the social science of remembrance and forgiveness in global episodes of genocide and mass violence during the post-Holocaust era, with case studies from Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, South Africa, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Israel, Palestine, Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, the United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Chechnya. It seeks to understand how remembrance and forgiveness have changed over time and how they have been used in recent cases of genocide and mass violence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate social science of remembrance and forgiveness in global episodes of genocide and mass violence during the post-Holocaust era. It explores the evolving nature of remembrance and forgiveness over time and their application in recent cases of genocide and mass violence. Through a rich array of case studies from diverse regions such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, South Africa, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Israel, Palestine, Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, the United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Chechnya, the book avoids a narrow legal perspective to offer a broader interpretation of post-genocidal societies, communities, and individuals. It encompasses global and interdisciplinary perspectives, considering not only forgiveness and social harmony but also remembrance and disharmony. This volume is of immense interest to scholars across various social sciences, including memory studies, genocide, remembrance, and forgiveness.

Introduction:
The aftermath of genocide and mass violence presents unique challenges and opportunities for societal healing and transformation. Memory and forgiveness play pivotal roles in this process, as they shape the narratives, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals and communities. This volume aims to explore the complex dynamics of remembrance and forgiveness in global episodes of genocide and mass violence during the post-Holocaust era.

Changing Perspectives on Remembrance and Forgiveness:
Over time, the understanding and practice of remembrance and forgiveness have undergone significant transformations. Initially, the focus was primarily on legal and judicial processes, seeking justice and accountability for the perpetrators of genocide. However, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of broader perspectives that encompass social, cultural, and psychological dimensions.

Case Studies:
The book presents a diverse range of case studies that shed light on different aspects of remembrance and forgiveness. Each case study provides a rich context and insights into the experiences of individuals, communities, and societies affected by genocide and mass violence. These case studies include:

Rwanda:
The genocide in Rwanda in 1994 is one of the most well-documented cases of mass violence in recent history. The book explores the challenges and opportunities for remembrance and forgiveness in Rwanda, including the role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the development of cultural institutions, and the ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation.

Ethiopia:
The genocide in Ethiopia in the 1990s is another significant episode of mass violence. The book examines the complexities of remembrance and forgiveness in Ethiopia, including the role of religious institutions, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote healing and reconciliation.

South Sudan:
The ongoing conflict in South Sudan, characterized by ethnic violence, has posed challenges for remembrance and forgiveness. The book explores the efforts of individuals, communities, and the government to address past grievances and promote peacebuilding.

South Africa:
The history of apartheid in South Africa and the struggle for racial justice have been marked by remembrance and forgiveness. The book examines the role of truth and reconciliation processes, the development of memorials and museums, and the ongoing efforts to promote social cohesion and healing.

Australia:
The case of the Stolen Generations in Australia highlights the complexities of remembrance and forgiveness in a settler colonial context. The book explores the experiences of Indigenous communities and the efforts to address historical trauma and promote healing.

Cambodia:
The genocide in Cambodia in the 1970s is a lesser-known episode of mass violence. The book examines the challenges and opportunities for remembrance and forgiveness in Cambodia, including the role of the Khmer Rouge regime, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote reconciliation and justice.

Indonesia:
The genocide in East Timor in 1975 is a case of mass violence that has received less attention. The book explores the complexities of remembrance and forgiveness in East Timor, including the role of international intervention, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote healing and reconciliation.

Timor-Leste:
The recent conflict in Timor-Leste, characterized by violence and political instability, has posed challenges for remembrance and forgiveness. The book examines the efforts of individuals, communities, and the government to address past grievances and promote peacebuilding.

Israel:
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine presents a complex case of remembrance and forgiveness. The book explores the challenges and opportunities for reconciliation and peacebuilding in the region, including the role of historical narratives, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote dialogue and understanding.

Palestine:
The history of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination and the Israeli occupation has been marked by remembrance and forgiveness. The book examines the challenges and opportunities for reconciliation and peacebuilding in the region, including the role of international intervention, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote dialogue and understanding.

Argentina:
The genocide in Argentina during the 1970s is a lesser-known episode of mass violence. The book explores the challenges and opportunities for remembrance and forgiveness in Argentina, including the role of the military regime, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote reconciliation and justice.

Guatemala:
The genocide in Guatemala in the 1980s is a case of mass violence that has received less attention. The book examines the challenges and opportunities for remembrance and forgiveness in Guatemala, including the role of the military regime, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote reconciliation and justice.

El Salvador:
The civil war in El Salvador in the 1980s was characterized by extreme violence and mass displacement. The book explores the challenges and opportunities for remembrance and forgiveness in El Salvador, including the role of the military regime, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote reconciliation and justice.

United States:
The history of racial discrimination and segregation in the United States has been marked by remembrance and forgiveness. The book examines the role of civil rights movements, the development of memorials and museums, and the ongoing efforts to promote racial equality and healing.

Bosnia and Herzegovina:
The conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s was characterized by ethnic violence and political instability. The book explores the challenges and opportunities for remembrance and forgiveness in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the role of international intervention, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Chechnya:
The conflict in Chechnya in the 1990s and 2000s was characterized by extreme violence and political instability. The book explores the challenges and opportunities for remembrance and forgiveness in Chechnya, including the role of the Russian government, the impact of trauma, and the efforts to promote peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the social science of remembrance and forgiveness in global episodes of genocide and mass violence during the post-Holocaust era. It highlights the changing perspectives on remembrance and forgiveness, the diverse case studies from different regions, and the challenges and opportunities for societal healing and transformation. The book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists working in the fields of memory studies, genocide, remembrance, and forgiveness.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367351014