Ratko Mladić: Relativism, myth and reality (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)

Abstract

This editorial explores the context of the arrest and subsequent extradition to the ICTY at the Hague of Ratko Mladić, former Bosnian Serb Army Commander. As Mladić acquired an almost mythical status among the Serbs, the issue of dealing with the recent past is important, especially when relativized in relation to recent events. This offers an excellent opportunity for the anthropology of violence and reconciliation processes, as well to re‐examine some of the old debates of the relationship between universalism and relativism when it comes to human rights. Since some of these issues have been present there for a number of years, Serbia offers a unique opportunity to further our understanding of some of these processes.