Tragedy, Truth, and Reconciliation:
A Solution for Ukraine?
Nicolai N. Petro presenting
Professor Nicolai Petro teaches comparitive and international politics at the University of Rhode Island.
His areas of expertise are Russia and Ukraine.
Forging a common vision of the future in Ukraine requires a dialogue aimed at forging a shared and non-exclusive civic concept of Ukrainian identity. This could be set up through a Ukrainian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). By giving voice to the grievances of those who fought on both sides of the conflict, the TRC process could become the modern day equivalent of the Dionysian festivals of ancient Greece, offering riveting emotional testimony, highly choreographed and dramatized public spectacles, leading the public to catharsis--a purging of the soul that restores healthy perspective by removing hatred. In over 47 countries, such commissions have become powerful tools for social healing by restoring humanity to the once enemy Other.
Read Nicolai's Bio Here
The World Affairs Council Of Rhode Island is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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