Source: (2006) Journal of Conflict Resolution. 50(3):409-432.
The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is undoubtedly the most widely
discussed truth and reconciliation process in the world, and by many accounts, the TRC is among the most
effective any country has yet produced. What is the explanation for its success? This article has two objectives.
First, it seeks to identify the characteristics of South Africa’s truth and reconciliation process that
contributed to its performance. Second, it then asks whether the truth and reconciliation process is itself
endogenous. Thus, the ultimate objective is to assess whether truth and reconciliation processes can have
an independent influence on reconciliation and especially on the likelihood of consolidating an attempted
democratic transition. The conclusion of this article is that the truth and reconciliation process in South
Africa did indeed exert independent influence on the democratization process through its contributions
toward creating a more reconciled society. (author’s abstract)
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