This comprehensive review critically examines foundational and contemporary scholarship on transitional justice (TJ), focusing on its application within the Western Balkans and its broader relevance to democratization and Europeanization processes. The study is divided into three interconnected sections, each addressing a distinct dimension of the field to provide a robust theoretical and contextual foundation. The first section delves into the conceptualization of TJ in the Western Balkans, specifically in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. It highlights the evolution of TJ as a dynamic and multidimensional field shaped by the specific challenges of post-communist and post-conflict realities. The analysis underscores how changing historical and political landscapes have necessitated adaptive and tailored approaches to justice, accountability, and reconciliation. This adaptability reflects the ongoing redefinition of TJ mechanisms to meet diverse regional needs, providing valuable insights into the interplay between context-specific challenges and broader theoretical frameworks. The second section explores the intersection of TJ with democratization and Europeanization processes in the Western Balkans. Regional studies are reviewed to illustrate how TJ mechanisms, including trials, truth commissions, and reparative measures, contribute to institutional transformation. TJ plays a critical role in facilitating political integration into Europe by fostering accountability and aligning national policies with European norms. This section emphasizes the transformative potential of TJ in strengthening democratic governance and promoting adherence to international standards. The third section adopts a comparative lens, examining constitutionalism and institutional reforms such as lustration and vetting in post-communist and post-conflict countries in Central and Eastern Europe. These mechanisms are analyzed as tools for addressing historical injustices, rebuilding trust in public institutions, and fostering societal reconciliation. This section broadens the understanding of TJ mechanisms and their applications across diverse sociopolitical settings by drawing parallels and identifying distinctions between the Western Balkans and other transitional contexts. Together, these three sections illuminate the multifaceted nature of TJ and its critical role in addressing past injustices, promoting reconciliation, and shaping governance structures in transitional societies. The review underscores the importance of contextual sensitivity and interdisciplinary approaches in advancing the theory and practice of TJ within and beyond the Western Balkans.

Literature Review

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发表日期：

2025年

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Ines Stasa

摘要

This comprehensive review critically examines foundational and contemporary scholarship on transitional justice (TJ), focusing on its application within the Western Balkans and its broader relevance to democratization and Europeanization processes. The study is divided into three interconnected sections, each addressing a distinct dimension of the field to provide a robust theoretical and contextual foundation. The first section delves into the conceptualization of TJ in the Western Balkans, specifically in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. It highlights the evolution of TJ as a dynamic and multidimensional field shaped by the specific challenges of post-communist and post-conflict realities. The analysis underscores how changing historical and political landscapes have necessitated adaptive and tailored approaches to justice, accountability, and reconciliation. This adaptability reflects the ongoing redefinition of TJ mechanisms to meet diverse regional needs, providing valuable insights into the interplay between context-specific challenges and broader theoretical frameworks. The second section explores the intersection of TJ with democratization and Europeanization processes in the Western Balkans. Regional studies are reviewed to illustrate how TJ mechanisms, including trials, truth commissions, and reparative measures, contribute to institutional transformation. TJ plays a critical role in facilitating political integration into Europe by fostering accountability and aligning national policies with European norms. This section emphasizes the transformative potential of TJ in strengthening democratic governance and promoting adherence to international standards. The third section adopts a comparative lens, examining constitutionalism and institutional reforms such as lustration and vetting in post-communist and post-conflict countries in Central and Eastern Europe. These mechanisms are analyzed as tools for addressing historical injustices, rebuilding trust in public institutions, and fostering societal reconciliation. This section broadens the understanding of TJ mechanisms and their applications across diverse sociopolitical settings by drawing parallels and identifying distinctions between the Western Balkans and other transitional contexts. Together, these three sections illuminate the multifaceted nature of TJ and its critical role in addressing past injustices, promoting reconciliation, and shaping governance structures in transitional societies. The review underscores the importance of contextual sensitivity and interdisciplinary approaches in advancing the theory and practice of TJ within and beyond the Western Balkans.