The Politics of Transitional Justice in Latin America
Power, Norms, and Capacity Building

Evaluates two influential models that explain variation in Latin American TJ outcomes: the Huntingtonian and Justice Cascade approaches.

Ezequiel A. Gonzalez-Ocantos (Author)

9781108799089, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 February 2020

75 pages, 3 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15 x 0.5 cm, 0.138 kg

How has Latin America pioneered the field of transitional justice (TJ)? Do approaches vary across the region? This Element describes Latin American innovations in trials and truth commissions, and evaluates two influential models that explain variation in TJ outcomes: the Huntingtonian and Justice Cascade approaches. It argues that scholars should complement these approaches with one that recognizes the importance of state capacity building and institutional change. To translate domestic/international political pressure and human rights norms into outcomes, states must develop 'TJ capabilities'. Not only should states be willing to pursue these highly complex policies, they must also develop competent bureaucracies.

Introduction
1. Latin American innovations
2. Truth commissions
3. Power and norms
4. Building TJ capabilities
5. Why Latin America?

Subject Areas: Comparative politics [JPB], Politics & government [JP], Hispanic & Latino studies [JFSL4]