This
site houses information on my work and publications, as well
as a host of resources. My work largely focuses on the psychological
implications of strategies for dealing with a violent political
past such as truth commissions, reconciliation as a theoretical
and applicable concept, truth recovery processes and transitional
justice more broadly, healing and dealing with the psychological
legacy of violence, as well as comparative research on violence
and crime in countries in transition. I also write a bi-monthly
opinion column "Look South" for Polity focused on
topical issues. The site also includes some of my published
creative writing, including short stories and poetry.
Some
recent academic publications...
 Transforming Societies after Political Violence (book) [June 2009]
Masculinity and Transitional Justice: An Exploratory Essay [Dec 2008]
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: A Critical Reflection [Sep 2008]
The Challenge of Reconciliation: Translating Theory into Practice [June 2008]
Putting the Past in Perspective [May 2008]
Submission to the Consultative Group on the Past Northern Ireland [Jan 2008]
Transforming Societies after Political Violence
Truth, Reconciliation, and Mental Health
by Brandon Hamber, Ph.D.
Brandon Hamber helps us better understand the mental health backdrop to atrocity and recovery. With plentiful, poignant stories, and clear policy recommendations, this book should help shape – and greatly improve – future endeavors to confront unimaginable memories and pain (Priscilla Hayner, ICTJ and author of Unspeakable Truths: confronting state terror and atrocity)
 More endorsements...
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Transforming Societies after Political Violence offers a template for those tasked with providing truth, justice, reconciliation, and healing. This interdisciplinary study identifies complex relationships between recovery from political violence and the psychological processes that accompany widespread social change, showing how these can be integrated to strengthen both individual and society. Author Brandon Hamber draws on his extensive experience in South Africa and comparative examples from elsewhere to examine the centrality of mental health issues in transitional justice, and the social, cultural, and identity issues involved in meeting the needs of victims. In discussing reparations (what the author terms "repairing the irreparable"), the power of ambivalence, and especially concepts of closure, he eloquently sets out professionals’ roles in helping survivors move beyond the toxic past without covering it up or becoming mired in it.
Information or Order from Springer (Publisher)
Information or Order from Amazon (UK)
Information or Order from Amazon (US)
ISBN: 978-0-387-89426-3
Springer 2009.
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