The “Digital Turn” in Transitional Justice Research: Evaluating Image and Text as Data in the Western Balkans

Abstract

The “digital turn” has transformed the landscape of transitional justice research. A wealth of data has been created through social media channels, and new digitisation tools have made existing data more easily accessible. This article discusses the ethical and methodological dimensions of using digital data and novel technologies in transitional justice research based on innovative research using digital archives, digitised transcripts, social media (Facebook) content and digital images. We review and evaluate how, in each of these domains, new digital technologies have enabled us to expand empirical evidence to understand the mechanics of transitional justice by analysing how data is produced and curated, to interrogate ethical dilemmas involved in those processes and to shift our focus from the ability of transitional justice to fulfil normative goals on to how transitional justice is enacted and articulated as a process.