PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY

In post-conflict societies, addressing the denial and even the justification of past atrocities is a critical step toward achieving sustainable peace, transitional justice, and reconciliation. How can the group psychology behind the denial of wartime atrocities be understood? This study draws on insights from cognitive dissonance theory to shed light on the underlying psychological mechanisms at play in the need for denial or justification of wartime aggression, with a particular focus on the denial of the Srebrenica Genocide. Cognitive dissonance theory posits that individuals experience psychological discomfort when confronted with conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. To alleviate this discomfort, individuals can change their attitudes or behaviors, or rationalize their actions. In the context of war crimes, cognitive dissonance theory helps explain why denials, or justifications of these atrocities emerge as individuals seek to resolve the dissonance between their group’s positive image and the recognition of wartime acts. Furthermore, the study proposes Interactive Conflict Resolution (ICR) as a potential approach to address the denial of mass atrocities. ICR offers a framework for dialogue and mutual understanding among parties regarding the sensitive past, which could contribute to reconciliation efforts.