DescriptionThe aim of this dissertation is to gain insight into the role and meaning of reconciliation in the post-conflict communities of former Yugoslavia. The study is designed to create an understanding of reconciliation grounded on insights from ordinary people as well as those working on reconciliation-related activities. The approach is explicitly interdisciplinary; it builds upon thinking in the fields of philosophy, political science, sociology, anthropology, and peace and conflict studies. While much has been written on the meaning of reconciliation in post-conflict societies, how people in former Yugoslavia conceive of reconciliation, what it means to them, what are their motivations for reconciliation and reasons for resistance, as well as what benefits reconciliation can bring, are under-explored and thus represent a gap in the literature on reconciliation in former Yugoslavia. My study relies on insights gained through field research I conducted in the region from 2005 through 2009. My methodology includes: 1) 160 semi-structured interviews among ordinary people and members of civil society working on reconciliation-related activities; 2) participant observation in activities aimed at reconciliation, tolerance, dialogue, inter-ethnic exchange and dealing with the past; 3) analysis of public discourse on reconciliation and dealing with the past. My findings reveal a number of challenges and opportunities. The results show: a) ordinary people have mixed views on what reconciliation entails and what benefits it can bring; b) motivations for reconciliation and reasons for resistance are complex and multifaceted; c) public discourse is deeply polarizing; d) civil society serves as the backbone of reconciliation efforts while government plays a muted role; e) reconciliation efforts are disconnected and uncoordinated; and f) results are difficult to measure. Just as reconciliation involves complex, multifaceted processes, the underlying factors that motivate people to support such processes are also complex and multifaceted. Those in favor of reconciliation reveal a range of motivations, just as those who resist it. My recommendation is for reconciliation programs in former Yugoslavia to be built upon these motivations, not in isolation of them, and for results to be measured using an incremental or scaled approach based on milestones, rather than all or nothing criteria.