[TimorLesteStudies] New Article: Erin Daly: Truth Skepticism: An Inquiry into the Value of Truth in Times of Transition

[bu.wilson at anu.edu.au]

Erin Daly 		Truth Skepticism: An Inquiry into the Value of Truth in Times of Transition 		 
International Journal of Transitional Justice Advance Access published on  March 20, 2008      		
IJTJ 2008 2: 23-41; doi:10.1093/ijtj/ijn004

Abstract
  Truth commissions have become so fashionable in times of transition that one can readily recognize what might be called a ‘truth cascade.’ The commissions, and the reports they produce, are reputed to promote many of the goals at the heart of the transitional justice project: helping victims to heal, promoting accountability, drawing a bright line between the past and the present, promoting reconciliation and so forth. And yet, a closer look at the truth-seeking enterprise suggests that it may not be able to deliver on these promises. This article explores both the intrinsic and instrumental reasons why truth commissions may not be effective in promoting the goals attributed to them. The article does not argue that transitional governments should not pursue the truth, but it does urge governments to use caution and careful planning when they do so.



-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.anu.edu.au/pipermail/easttimorstudies/attachments/20080605/0124e1c6/attachment.html