Speaker: Christopher Wiley Shay, Research Fellow, International Security Program

Previous research has yielded mixed results about whether transitional justice prosecutions help liberalize states. Some scholars have even warned that prosecutions are likely to backfire. This seminar shines new light on this debate by specifying the conditions under which trials are likely to help — either by bolstering the rule of law or diminishing human rights abuse. 

Everyone is welcome to join us online via Zoom! Please register in advance for this seminar: https://harvard.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMpceitqzwvGtZLXXfOxtAAyX4ipdZ2IWh2

Speaker: Christopher Wiley Shay,  Research Fellow, International Security Program

What stops human rights abuse? Christopher Shay explores this question in the context of conflict terminations, moments when leaders can plausibly turn away from repressive tactics. Many leaders fail to seize this opportunity, however, even in cases of democratization. Drawing on cross-national quantitative findings and qualitative research conducted in Nepal, Shay argues that these leaders' options are often constrained by powerful security institutions—and that civil-military relations are critical to understanding human rights outcomes.

Everyone is welcome to join us via Zoom! Register in advance for this meeting: https://harvard.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYocuiqrjopGNTxGJiOOsiUiylmF52NRnC5