Author

Time for Change

Introduction

Time for change. Explore Scandinavian donor practices in Bosnia-Herzegovina's post-conflict justice. Understand why aid to local NGOs for transitional justice is limited, focusing on Norway & Sweden.

Abstract

This article examines Scandinavian donor practices in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) with regards to post-conflict justice activities. BiH has been a laboratory of reconstruction, peace-building and transitional justice processes since the end of the war in 1995. While issues related to rebuilding and developing war-torn societies and their economies have attracted extensive scholarly attention, the question of international aid practices in transitional justice contexts remains widely understudied. Although the influence of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in reconciliatory transitional justice work has been growing, the relationship between international donors and local NGOs involved in these projects remains very limited. The objective of this study is to explore why this is the case. This research draws on Scandinavian aid practices in BiH – particularly the cases of Norway and Sweden – as Scandinavian countries are considered norm entrepreneurs not only in world politics but also in the field of development. This research relies on over three-dozen in depth interviews (with government representatives, experts, and activists), donor evaluation reports, and media documents. The article discusses the factors contributing to the reluctance of Scandinavian donors to provide financial assistance to local NGOs engaging in restorative justice processes in BiH.

Review

This article presents a timely and highly relevant investigation into the understudied area of international aid practices within transitional justice contexts, specifically focusing on Scandinavian donor engagements in post-conflict Bosnia-Herzegovina. By addressing the critical gap in understanding the relationship between international donors and local non-governmental organizations involved in reconciliatory transitional justice work, the study promises to significantly enrich the scholarly discourse on peacebuilding, reconstruction, and the efficacy of aid in complex post-conflict environments. The chosen focus on BiH, a a long-standing "laboratory" for such processes, provides a compelling backdrop for this essential inquiry into the influence of international aid on local transitional justice initiatives. Methodologically, the research appears robust, drawing on a comprehensive qualitative approach that includes over three-dozen in-depth interviews with a diverse set of stakeholders (government representatives, experts, activists), complemented by donor evaluation reports and media documents. The selection of Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Sweden, as case studies is a strategic strength. These nations are rightly identified as "norm entrepreneurs" in both international politics and development, making their practices in supporting transitional justice uniquely insightful for understanding broader patterns of international engagement. This specific focus allows for a nuanced exploration of the factors contributing to the observed limited relationship between donors and local NGOs, particularly concerning restorative justice initiatives. The article's objective to explore the specific reasons behind the reluctance of Scandinavian donors to provide financial assistance to local NGOs engaging in restorative justice processes in BiH is particularly intriguing and constitutes its core contribution. The forthcoming discussion of these contributing factors is anticipated to be a central and highly valuable finding, shedding light on potential disconnects between international policy objectives and ground-level implementation, or perhaps revealing unforeseen challenges within donor frameworks. While the abstract does not detail these factors, their elucidation will offer critical insights for both academics and practitioners seeking to improve the effectiveness and local ownership of transitional justice efforts. This research thus holds significant potential to inform more equitable and impactful aid strategies in similar post-conflict settings.

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