Divided societies are frequently characterized by "hierarchies of advantage" that enchain both those at the top and the bottom. For the marginalized, the chain is literal or economic; for the privileged, it is a moral and social tether that necessitates constant enforcement and exclusion. True justice requires dismantling these hierarchies. This involves more than just passing laws; it requires a radical shift in how citizens perceive their neighbors. By acknowledging that "whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly," societies can begin to see equality not as a loss for the powerful, but as a stabilizing force for the whole. The Role of Transnational and Transitional Justice
In contemporary contexts, the work of scholars like Ní Aoláin emphasizes that justice in divided societies often requires "transitional" frameworks. These frameworks—ranging from truth and reconciliation commissions to international human rights oversight—seek to bridge the gap between a violent past and a shared future. They provide a space to voice grievances and document injustices, making the "network of mutuality" visible to those who have long ignored it. Conclusion 125071
The Fabric of Mutuality: Navigating Justice in Divided Societies This involves more than just passing laws; it