PROF. ŠKRBIĆ WILL GIVE A GUEST LECTURE AT FREIE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN

Decades after the wars in the former Yugoslavia, societies across the Balkans continue to grapple with the legacy of violence, contested memories, and unresolved questions of justice. At the same time, the region has witnessed new waves of civic mobilization and democratic protest, reflecting ongoing struggles over accountability, the rule of law, and the future of democratic governance.

The lecture, “From War to Protest: Transitional Justice and Contemporary Struggles for Democracy in the Balkans”, will explore the relationship between transitional justice and contemporary democratic developments in the Balkans. It will examine how efforts to address past human rights violations have shaped legal, political, and social transformations in the region, while also considering the challenges posed by nationalism, democratic backsliding, corruption, and competing narratives of the past. By connecting post-conflict justice processes with current social and political developments, the lecture will offer a critical reflection on the role of memory, accountability, and civic engagement in contemporary struggles for democracy.

The lecture will be delivered as part of the course “Human Rights: Law, Politics, History”, led by Prof. Helmut Philipp Aust at Freie Universität Berlin.

When: Thursday, 4 June 2026, 10:15–11:45
Where: Freie Universität Berlin