Стратегічна панорама (Dec 2023)
THE EXPERIENCE OF LATVIA IN TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE AND TAKEAWAYS FOR UKRAINE
Abstract
The article focuses on aspects of the transitional justice implemented in the Republic of Latvia after the restoration of its independence. The case of Latvia is examined through institutional reform, lustration, prosecution, politics of memory, truth-seeking, rehabilitation and reparations. In addition, Latvia’s state policy regarding citizenship played a decisive role in addressing an array of problems inherited from the Soviet period. The main purpose of this study is to highlight the state policy in Latvia, which achieved a high level of protection of the national interests during the transition period, while minimizing risks for its territorial integrity and social unity. Latvia’s experience proves that transitional justice has ensured the country’s democratic progress as well as its integration to the EU and NATO. The implemented reforms and institutional changes in the public administration system have laid the foundation for effective decision-making and policy implementation in Latvia. Hence, Latvia among those European countries, which have been providing Ukraine with political and diplomatic support as well as tangible military and humanitarian aid since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A comparative assessment of Latvia and Ukraine is appropriate, because both countries had to overcome similar challenges associated with the Soviet occupation and then treats emanating from the Russian Federation. The author argues that this Baltic country has achieved successful results due to a comprehensive state policy of transitional justice. This assessment also considers the main missteps and mistakes that Ukraine made in its domestic and foreign policy in the post-Soviet period. Based on a proposed examination of Latvia’s practices, the author makes a number of recommendations for forming a transitional justice model in Ukraine. The findings indicate that some effective Latvian approaches and measures can be adapted in Ukraine to overcome the consequences of the war and problems related to the temporary occupation of part of the Ukrainian territory.
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