Are Lessons Transferable? The Importance of Research for Policy on Transitional Justice Mechanisms

Source: (2003) Paper presented at the “Empirical Research Methodologies of Transitional Justice Mechanisms Conference”, 18-20 November 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa. BrandonHamber.com. Downloaded 10 December 2003.

This paper addresses the issue of whether lessons are transferable across contexts. It
specifically considers research on transitional justice mechanisms in societies coming out
of conflict. To explore this I will draw on my experience from South African and
Northern Ireland. The paper is critical of the relatively simplistic way lessons are drawn
between contexts, but at the same time is based on the assumption that comparative
analysis enhances research and can be helpful in the peacebuilding process. I will
approach the topic from both a practitioner and researcher perspective because this
challenges one to think outside the academic paradigm and consider more carefully how
research is used to shape public policy in transitional contexts.