Communication about the past and reconciliation: lessons from the Western Balkan

Abstract

This paper explores the role of communication as a way towards reconciliation in post-conflict societies using the example of Serbia. First, the role of contact and communication in overcoming divisions and hostilities between members of different groups and within reconciliation processes in post-conflict societies is reviewed on the basis of existing literature. Then, a specific action research project carried out in Serbia is presented. The action research explored communication as part of a process of reconciliation between people belonging to different social groups and having experienced different types of armed conflict and human rights abuses. The research was carried out within the Joint Action for Truth and Reconciliation, which is an informal initiative with the aim of exploring a non-conflict ('third') way in dealing with the past in Serbia. The research findings are presented and analysed against the background of the contact hypothesis and other theoretical approaches.