Transitional (in)Justice and Enforcing the Peace on Palestine

This book examines the growing interest in transitional justice practices in Palestine and argues that they need to be more radical in addressing the ongoing settler-colonialism. It calls for a focus on meaningful decolonization in transitional justice processes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 97 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the increasing fascination with transitional justice practices in the context of ongoing settler-colonialism in Palestine. By critically examining the roles of common top-down and bottom-up interventions, such as truth recovery and international criminal justice, the book argues that transitional justice serves as an extension of a deeply flawed peacebuilding process that has been detrimental to Palestine. Moreover, it undermines efforts to advocate for meaningful decolonization. Consequently, a 'radicalization of transitional justice' is necessary in settler-colonial contexts, prioritizing conversations about decolonization. This book will be of interest to individuals engaged in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and transitional justice.

Introduction:
The ongoing settler-colonialism in Palestine has sparked a growing interest in transitional justice practices. While these interventions aim to address past injustices and promote reconciliation, they are often criticized for failing to address the root causes of the conflict and perpetuating colonial structures. This book seeks to examine the role of transitional justice in the context of settler-colonialism and argue for a 'radicalization' of transitional justice that prioritizes meaningful decolonization.

Common Top-down and Bottom-up Interventions:
Transitional justice interventions typically involve a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches. Top-down interventions involve the involvement of international institutions and governments, while bottom-up interventions involve the participation of local communities and victims. Truth recovery and international criminal justice are two common top-down interventions in settler-colonial contexts.

Critique of Truth Recovery and International Criminal Justice:
The book argues that truth recovery and international criminal justice interventions in Palestine have been ineffective in addressing the root causes of the conflict. Truth recovery processes often focus on documenting past atrocities and providing compensation to victims, while international criminal justice seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes and human rights violations. However, these interventions fail to address the systemic injustices that perpetuate settler-colonialism, such as land confiscation, displacement, and discrimination against Palestinians.

Radicalization of Transitional Justice:
To address the shortcomings of common top-down and bottom-up interventions, the book advocates for a 'radicalization' of transitional justice. This involves prioritizing conversations about decolonization and challenging the power structures that perpetuate settler-colonialism. It also involves recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples and promoting their self-determination.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book highlights the need for a 'radicalization' of transitional justice in settler-colonial contexts. By prioritizing conversations about decolonization and challenging the power structures that perpetuate settler-colonialism, transitional justice interventions can become more effective in addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting meaningful decolonization.

Weight: 289g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031253935
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023