Building upon an interdisciplinary synthesis of recent literature from the fields of transitional justice and conflict transformation, this book introduces a groundbreaking theoretical framework that highlights the critical importance of identity in the relationship between transitional justice and reconciliation in deeply divided societies. Using this framework, Aiken argues that transitional justice interventions will be successful in promoting reconciliation and sustainable peace to the extent that they can help to catalyze those crucial processes of 'social learning' needed to transform the antagonistic relationships and identifications that divide post-conflict societies even after the signing of formal peace agreements. Combining original field research and an extensive series of expert interviews, Aiken applies this social learning model in a comprehensive examination of both the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the uniquely 'decentralized' approach to transitional justice that has emerged in Northern Ireland.

1. Introduction; Identity, Reconciliation and Transitional Justice; 3.A Social Learning Model of Transitional Justice; 4.Transitional Justice in Northern Ireland and South Africa;5. Instrumental Learning; 6. Socioemotional Learning; 7. Distributive Learning; 8. Conclusion:Social Learning and Reconciliation in Divided Societies