The Balkans remain a region marked by a painful history of wars, conflicts, and ethnic divisions. In this conversation, we explored the psychological and social consequences of these events, and how societies can or should engage with their past to build a peaceful future. We discussed transitional justice, the importance of remembrance versus intentional forgetting, the role of forgiveness, and the challenges of interethnic dialogue. Questions were raised about how communities can heal, how individuals confront trauma, and whether reconciliation efforts—both local and international—can foster trust and collective identity after conflict.
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Amnesties and Transitional Justice in North Macedonia – Reconciliation or Evasion?
In this episode, we dive into a topic with deep historical and political weight — the Law on Amnesty and its impact on transitional justice processes in North Macedonia. We explore how amnesty has been used in the past, what it aims to achieve, and whether it truly contributes to social reconciliation — or simply covers up injustices.
Is amnesty a step toward justice — or a detour away from it?
A conversation that challenges official narratives and sheds light on the role of the state, victims, and justice in a society striving to heal past wounds without forgetting them.
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Knowledge in different cultures and languages is the key stone in the peace building process
Interview with the polyglot Elvi Sidheri
In this episode of transitional justice we speak about the influence of the culture and its role on the process of reconciliation. What is the advantage of knowing different cultures or different languages? On these topics we talk with the polyglot Elvi Sidheri who speaks 15 different languages. Born in Tirana, currently lives in Prishtina and speaks every Balkan language. He has written several books and translated many big writers. These are his views on the topic and his personal story.
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What have Balkan countries done to protect the women in the post conflict period?
In this episode of Transitional justice we talk about the protection of women in the post conflict period. The UN recognized the need to highlight the role and the position of women in the world after armed conflicts and adopted the Resolution 1325. This Resolution urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all UN peace and security efforts. Our interlocutor for this topic is Professor Lidija Georgieva from the Faculty of Philosophy. We asked The Professor Georgieva what is done after the adoption of this Resolution, especially in the Balkan countries?
