Genocide Denial: Perpetuating Victimization and the Cycle of Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)

The denial of the Armenian genocide led to devastating effects on both the individual and collective levels which in many cases were passed down to their descendants. In BiH, many of the facts are not denied per se but the interpretation is such that genocidal intent is denied. While some research has been done on the consequences of trauma among BiH survivors, no in-depth studies are found on the effects of denial on the survivors’ psychosocial well-being. This article aims to fill in the gaps based on in-depth-interviews carried out since 2011 in BiH, investigating the cognitive, affective and behavioral consequences of denial at both the intragroup and intergroup levels. This article also seeks to identify which forms of acknowledgement are the most meaningful to the survivors for preventing further victimization. Finally, this article examines the interconnection which exists between denial and acknowledgement for reconciliation and sustainable peace to occur