Why Do States Adopt Truth Commissions After Transition?

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: Why do states create a truth commission after political transition? This article answers this question by testing three key theories after surveying the existing literature: transnational advocacy networks, the balance of power between old and new elites, and diffusion theory. Methods: Cox proportional hazards models were used to explain the adoption of a truth commission. I used the Transitional Justice Database Project database on truth commissions in 71 countries that became democracies between 1980 and 2006. Result: Strong evidence supports transnational advocacy networks and diffusion explanations. First, active domestic and international advocacy is a key factor. Second, diffusion theory is supported, as establishing a truth commission in neighboring countries is a relevant factor. Transitional countries are most sensitive to truth commissions adopted in culturally similar countries. Conclusion: I found empirical evidence supporting the relevance of diffusion, domestic advocacy groups, and international actors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1485-1502
Number of pages18
JournalSocial Science Quarterly
Volume100
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Aug

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Why Do States Adopt Truth Commissions After Transition?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this