Set the junta free : pre-transitional justice in Myanmar's democratization
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Australian Journal of Political Science
Publication Date
1-1-2006
Volume
41
Issue
1
First Page
91
Last Page
105
Abstract
Myanmar is in political deadlock. In part, this is because the opposition has not confronted problems of transitional justice, notably how to deal with members of the military junta who have participated in gross human rights violations. There are therefore few incentives for the ruling generals to consider talking about change. To tackle this problem, the article develops a model of pre-transitional justice that is focused on the critical 'torturer problem'. It is also informed by recent developments in international criminal law, and by the spread of truth commissions and lustration systems. The integrated reconciliatory model that results is suitable for political negotiation, capable of generating discontinuities with an authoritarian past, and legally and technically feasible. Applying it to Myanmar, the article holds that qualified amnesty is necessary for political reform.
DOI
10.1080/10361140500507302
Print ISSN
10361146
E-ISSN
1363030X
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2006 Routledge
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
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Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
David, R., & Holliday, I. (2006). Set the junta free: Pre-transitional justice in Myanmar's democratization. Australian Journal of Political Science, 41(1), 91-105. doi: 10.1080/10361140500507302