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Why No Justice for Past Repression? Militaries and Human Rights Organizations in Post-Authoritarian States

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  • Pearce Edwards

Abstract

Do human rights organizations (HROs) aid the consolidation of democracy in post-authoritarian states? It is often argued that these groups contribute to accountability for past repression. Yet HROs can have unintended consequences if they threaten the interests of powerful domestic institutions. This paper develops a simple model of human rights activism in post-authoritarian states. Civilian governments in these states trade off support from the military and human rights activists which seek to punish the military. Counterintuitively, the model predicts human rights activists make amnesty for the military more likely, as activists tempt the government to punish the military and the military becomes more likely to intervene in politics. The model’s implications are tested using a sample of post-authoritarian states from 1970-2010. Results show that more HRO influence increases the likelihood of amnesty laws and military involvement in government, though HROs may achieve justice through pathways such as truth commissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Pearce Edwards, 2021. "Why No Justice for Past Repression? Militaries and Human Rights Organizations in Post-Authoritarian States," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 65(4), pages 759-787, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:65:y:2021:i:4:p:759-787
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002720957068
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    References listed on IDEAS

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