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Diverging Roads to Reconciliation: A Comparative Study of Transitional Justice Approaches in Argentina and Chile

Malmros, Svea LU (2025) FKVK02 20251
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This study examines how the differing transitional justice approaches in Argentina and Chile after the military dictatorships in the late 20th century affected the possibility for reconciliation between the state and its citizens. Despite similar histories of authoritarian rule, widespread human rights abuses and the use of truth commissions, these countries chose different paths during the transition into democracy and onwards. Using a comparative case study design, this research analyses the extent to which each country’s approach has created the possibility for reconciliation. To evaluate the countries a framework to measure the possibility for reconciliation between state and people has been developed, built on John Paul Lederach’s... (More)
This study examines how the differing transitional justice approaches in Argentina and Chile after the military dictatorships in the late 20th century affected the possibility for reconciliation between the state and its citizens. Despite similar histories of authoritarian rule, widespread human rights abuses and the use of truth commissions, these countries chose different paths during the transition into democracy and onwards. Using a comparative case study design, this research analyses the extent to which each country’s approach has created the possibility for reconciliation. To evaluate the countries a framework to measure the possibility for reconciliation between state and people has been developed, built on John Paul Lederach’s framework of reconciliation, which balances truth, justice, mercy, and peace. Findings reveal that while both countries have made progress, their approaches have been unbalanced. Argentina prioritizes truth and justice, leading to greater accountability but struggling with forgiveness and social harmony. Chile has pursued a more moderate path, emphasising consensus and a broader scope of victim recognition, yet faced challenges in achieving foundational peace and structural reform. Ultimately, neither country has yet fully attained a balanced reconciliation across all four dimensions (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Malmros, Svea LU
supervisor
organization
course
FKVK02 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Reconciliation, Transitional Justice, Human Rights Violations, Truth Commissions, Latin America
language
English
id
9191233
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 11:23:28
date last changed
2025-08-08 11:23:28
@misc{9191233,
  abstract     = {{This study examines how the differing transitional justice approaches in Argentina and Chile after the military dictatorships in the late 20th century affected the possibility for reconciliation between the state and its citizens. Despite similar histories of authoritarian rule, widespread human rights abuses and the use of truth commissions, these countries chose different paths during the transition into democracy and onwards. Using a comparative case study design, this research analyses the extent to which each country’s approach has created the possibility for reconciliation. To evaluate the countries a framework to measure the possibility for reconciliation between state and people has been developed, built on John Paul Lederach’s framework of reconciliation, which balances truth, justice, mercy, and peace. Findings reveal that while both countries have made progress, their approaches have been unbalanced. Argentina prioritizes truth and justice, leading to greater accountability but struggling with forgiveness and social harmony. Chile has pursued a more moderate path, emphasising consensus and a broader scope of victim recognition, yet faced challenges in achieving foundational peace and structural reform. Ultimately, neither country has yet fully attained a balanced reconciliation across all four dimensions}},
  author       = {{Malmros, Svea}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Diverging Roads to Reconciliation: A Comparative Study of Transitional Justice Approaches in Argentina and Chile}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}