6. Conclusion
Texte intégral
1The concluding chapter of this paper does not aim to simplify or resolve the interstate reconciliation process between Japan and South Korea but to demonstrate that a reinterpretation of the field of transitional justice is both possible and favourable. The core of the debate has focused on how TJ processes can extend beyond their typical scope and be reconceptualised for application in contexts other than transitioning post-conflict and/or authoritarian societies. The Japan-ROK unsettled diplomatic relationship serves as an intriguing example of a novel application of TJ as a tool for advancing diplomacy. Chapter 5, in particular, engages with TJ’s revelatory processes of truth-seeking and historical reconciliation to demonstrate that TJ can transcend its definitional limits to reach outcomes beyond conflict prevention and/or democratisation. It illustrates that TJ can contribute to reconciliation and promote a renewed interstate diplomatic framework between two countries that have yet to fully confront their historical past.
2This research paper has first explored the academic field of transitional justice, explaining its measures of prosecution, reparations, apology, collective memory and truth-seeking. In the context of the comfort women dispute between Japan and South Korea, TJ measures represent the most ideal justice approach, as they can guarantee a holistic healing process that addresses the underlying structural injustices of historical human rights violations. Despite being impaired by strong nationalist sentiments stemming from their colonial dichotomy, both Japan and Korea have demonstrated a willingness for closer bilateral diplomacy. Although the past retributive, reparatory, restorative and revelatory justice measures adopted have not yet led to full reconciliation, they have occasionally mitigated the hostile anti-Japanese and anti-Korean sentiments felt in Korea and Japan respectively.
3The lack of a long-term reconciliation is dictated by the lack of a collective truth and of a shared international memory. Both countries have engaged in historical revisionism and politicisation of the past to garner domestic support and obtain advantage in their foreign relations. This has ultimately hindered the development of friendly diplomatic relations between the two countries. Fostering a shared historical truth is essential for Japan and Korea to move beyond their troubled past and restore their diplomatic ties. This requires narrowing the gaps existing between their different historical narratives to shape a collective memory. National pride must be set aside in favour of a more open and lenient attitude towards one another. The transitional aspect of TJ can thus be intended as a transformation of their diplomatic partnership to a closer and more balanced one and a change in their national identity independent of the former coloniser/colonised relationship.
4Up until this point, this research has provided a theoretical pathway for diplomatic reconciliation between the two countries. The analysis should be pursued in empirical research by initiating a dialogue with civil society organisations in both countries. This would provide insight into the feasibility of implementing TJ measures of historical reconciliation within the two societies and to gauge domestic opinions on closer diplomatic ties. Moreover, given the recent trilateral meeting between Japan, South Korea and Chinain May 2024,1 it has become pressing to investigate how renewed diplomacy between Japan and Korea would affect the balance of power in the East Asian sphere. Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida and South Korea’s President Yoon both expressed a desire for greater security and economic cooperation in response to rising political tensions, with the goal of ensuring regional peace and stability. Despite no major breakthroughs at the moment, the meeting promoted greater communication and showed progress in defusing tensions.
5Finally, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the implementation of TJ. Many countries with legacies of war crimes or colonialism have room for improvement in their domestic democratic performance and foreign diplomatic relations. The case study of Japan and South Korea demonstrates that even consolidated democracies require peace and reconciliation processes to remedy past core injustices. Transitional justice should be used by all as a peacebuilding and peacekeeping exercise. This research has suggested that novel patterns of TJ can be reconceptualised within different environments for various scopes. Hopefully, this research paper provides a valuable starting point for deeper analysis into the widespread potential of transitional justice applications.
Notes de bas de page
1Johnson, Jesse. “Kishida Meets China’s Li and South Korea’s Yoon before Trilateral Summit”. The Japan Times, 26 May 2024. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/05/26/japan/politics/kishida-li-yoon-bilateral-talks/.

Le texte seul est utilisable sous licence Creative Commons - Attribution - Pas d'Utilisation Commerciale - Pas de Modification 4.0 International - CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Les autres éléments (illustrations, fichiers annexes importés) sont « Tous droits réservés », sauf mention contraire.
The Development of International Refugee Protection through the Practice of the UN Security Council
Christiane Ahlborn
2010
The SWIFT Affair
Swiss Banking Secrecy and the Fight against Terrorist Financing
Johannes Köppel
2011
The Evolving Patterns of Lebanese Politics in Post-Syria Lebanon
The Perceptions of Hizballah among Members of the Free Patriotic Movement
Fouad Ilias
2010
La justice internationale à l'épreuve du terrorisme
Défis, enjeux et perspectives concernant la Commission d'enquête internationale indépendante (UNIIIC) et le Tribunal spécial pour le Liban
Sébastien Moretti
2009
Aut Dedere, aut Judicare: The Extradite or Prosecute Clause in International Law
Claire Mitchell
2009