1 - Introduction: ‘We Only Fight for Social Justice’

Summary

The chapter introduces the focus of the book, which is the importance of socioeconomic justice for transitional justice processes. While there is still scepticism in the literature as to whether and how transitional justice should address socioeconomic concerns, it seems increasingly evident that - in the Bosnian case discussed in the book as elsewhere - citizens of post-conflict countries mobilise around socioeconomic issues that are strictly linked to the legacies of post-conflict violence. The chapter briefly introduces the theoretical focus of the book, at the nexus of justice and political economy, and presents its argument and outline.