Discourse, Normative Change and the Quest for Reconciliation in Global Politics

Judith Renner is Assistant Professor in Political Science at the Technical University Munich

• List of figuresAcknowledgements List of abbreviations Introduction 1. A discourse theoretical approach to normative change 2. The emergence of reconciliation as an empty universal in South Africa 3. The global proliferation of the reconciliation language in the context of the transitional justice discourse 4.The proliferation of reconciliation practices and the rise of a global reconciliation coalition5. Bringing reconciliation to Sierra Leone: the global reconciliation discourse and its local performance Conclusion

Judith Renner’s book is an excellent combination of empirical analysis and theoretical reflection which enhances not only our understanding of the global rise of the reconciliation discourse, but also illuminates the theoretical problem of normative change in international politics.|A superb, analytically sharp and yet eminently readable treatment of the rise of the concept of reconciliation in international politics. This is a piece of work that will change the way we view reconciliation as a device in post-conflict situations.|This book is a must-have for anyone who doubts that discourse analysis has something to offer to our understanding of society. It demonstrates how reconciliation as a recipe and truth and reconciliation commissions as a technique could become hegemonic concepts in the global discourse on how societies should deal with atrocities they committed or suffered in the past. A truly fascinating endeavor!