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The Burden of Bearing Witness: The Impact of Testifying at War Crimes Tribunals

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  • Kimi King
  • James Meernik

Abstract

Intersections exist regarding how institutions and individuals respond in the wake of mass violence, and we explore one theoretical perspective: resilience—the ability to overcome in the face of adversity. By controlling for the institutional context, we analyze the microlevel impact of testifying on witnesses who testify. New survey data provide information from 300 prosecution, defence, and Chambers witnesses who appeared at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We test propositions about resilience related to trauma, motivations, contributions to justice, fair treatment, witness fatigue, and human security. Witnesses who experienced greater trauma, who were more highly motivated, who believed they contributed to justice, and who were satisfied with their current situation were more positive about testifying. Those who believed they were treated fairly by prosecution and defence were less negative. The findings add to the debate about the burden of bearing witness in post-conflict societies and why some overcome adverse experiences related to mass violence.

Suggested Citation

  • Kimi King & James Meernik, 2019. "The Burden of Bearing Witness: The Impact of Testifying at War Crimes Tribunals," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 63(2), pages 348-372, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:63:y:2019:i:2:p:348-372
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002717736567
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olga Shemyakina & Anke Plagnol, 2013. "Subjective Well-Being and Armed Conflict: Evidence from Bosnia-Herzegovina," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 113(3), pages 1129-1152, September.
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