Over the last few decades, various forms of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) have been introduced to facilitate the transition from social conflict to a new dispensation. While the proceedings of TRCs attract much interest, they are highly contested socio-political processes. Indeed, in situations of conflict, the need for as well as the terms of reconciliation between conflicting parties is highly contested. The first volume of the transnational research project, ReconTrans explores a fundamental question: do TRC processes in South Africa, Canada and Norway trade justice for peace in pursuit of reconciliation?