RT Article
T1 Peace as betrayal: on the human cost of relational peacebuilding in transitional contexts
JF International journal of transitional justice
VO 16
IS 2
SP 204
OP 219
A1 Verwoerd, Wilhelm 1964-
A1 Little, Alistair
A1 Hamber, Brandon
A2 Little, Alistair
A2 Hamber, Brandon
LA English
YR 2022
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1845434560
AB This article explores the micro-dynamics of intragroup betrayal and self-betrayal that can be evoked by relational peacebuilding between groups. The painful accusation of betrayal by close, family-type group members and internally feeling like a betrayer as a result of working with the ‘other side’ is presented as an underestimated human cost of relational peacebuilding. This understanding emerged from an international ‘Beyond Dehumanisation’ research project, which included experienced peace practitioners from South Africa, the Israel-Palestine region and the conflict in and about Northern Ireland. The emerging diagnostic framework is supported by (and provides empirical support for) theories of betrayal that stress how deeply relational betrayal is. The resonance with Margalit’s theory of betrayal as the ‘undermining of thick relations’ is especially strong. ‘Peace as betrayal’ suggests the need for more practical support for peacebuilders and can also be applied more widely to render resistance to transitional justice processes more visible.
K1 Betrayal
K1 Betrayers
K1 Human cost
K1 Intragroup peacebuilding
K1 Micro-dynamics
K1 Resistance to transitional justice
DO 10.1093/ijtj/ijab032