Abstract
In this special issue1 it has become clear that many ex-combatants did not simply reintegrate into society after independence. This article provides an additional perspective to the socio-political frame of contentious politics dominant in the special issue. A key element to explain their difficult ‘reintegration’ and to understand why former fighters challenged the state, is provided by trauma. The traumatisation of fighters, caused by warfare in the name of national goals, was exacerbated when the new state did not recognise their sacrifices. The resulting anger felt by many ex-combatants, was fuel for political contention.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 411-418 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | War and Society |
| Volume | 43 |
| Early online date | 29 Jul 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Funding
I want to thank this special issue's editors Peter Keppy and Roel Frakking for the invitation to write this reflection, and for their remarks and support during the writing process. The reviewers provided valuable comments: I want to express my appreciation for their time and help.
Keywords
- contentious politics
- former fighters
- misrecognition
- moral injury
- trauma