Dialogues between ex-combatants and youth in Serbia: a constructive use of war experience

Abstract

The possible peacebuilding role of ex-combatants has been acknowledged in literature and established through various peacebuilding processes in post-conflict societies. One such process involves the participation of ex-combatants in dialogues with young people, with the purpose of demystifying war experiences as well as restoring the damaged social fabric and facilitating the social reintegration of ex-combatants. This article investigates the potential for a constructive use of war experiences through conversations between ex-combatants and youth. It provides a description and analysis of a case study, a pilot project called Dialogues, run by Novi Sad based out of the 'Centre for War Trauma' in Serbia since 2009. This project brings ex-combatants into Serbian high schools to meet with youth, share their war experiences and answer any questions young people may have in relation to their participation in an armed conflict. The article evaluates the project and suggests that ex-combatants' efforts to engage in peacebuilding processes in Serbia should be acknowledged and supported by the Serbian government. It suggests that the narratives of ex-combatants provide a unique opportunity for young people to reflect on and explore the complexities of recent conflict.