[New publication] Could transitional justice approaches offer new perspectives on how we respond to terrorism?

A new chapter by researcher Niki Siampakou (Asser Institute) explores how transitional justice - a framework traditionally used in post-authoritarian or post-conflict settings to address large-scale human rights violations - can complement and inform counter-terrorism efforts.

In her chapter ”Adopting Alternative Approaches to Countering Terrorism: The Transitional Justice Paradigm” Siampakou argues that mechanisms like truth commissions, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence could help address the deeper causes of radicalisation and prevent future violence. These tools may also support victims and rebuild public trust, all while upholding the rule of law. Rather than replacing existing counter-terrorism approaches, transitional justice offers valuable insights that complement and enhance them - especially for long-term prevention and community engagement.

Powerful tools
Despite inherent tensions between the two fields, from legal definitions to differing priorities, drawing on lessons of transitional justice could enable states to respond to terrorism more balancedly, sustainably and inclusively. Truth, accountability, and healing can become powerful tools in responding to terrorism and building lasting peace.

Niki Siampakou’s chapter is forthcoming in "Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Public Interest" (Asser Press/Springer), a book edited by Asser Institute researchers Rumyana van Ark, Tarik Gherbaoui, and James Patrick Sexton. The book’s theme aligns with the Asser Institute's strategic research agenda “Rethinking public interests in international and European law: Pairing critical reflection with perspectives for action.“

Read the full chapter

About Niki Siampakou 
Dr Niki Siampakou is a researcher at T.M.C. Asser Instituut where she works on victims of international crimes and terrorism as well as on transitional justice initiatives to reconcile societies. She is part of the research strand 'In the public interest: accountability of the state and the prosecution of crimes'. She is specialised in conducting research, providing evidence-based policy advice, counselling (international) institutions on international (criminal) law, international human rights law, and transitional justice.

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