Title of Dissertation : Unburied Pasts: A Comparative Study of reconciliation in post dictatorial Argentina and Uruguay (1970-2020)
This research examines the contrasting trajectories of Argentina and Uruguay in addressing the legacies of their military dictatorships (1970s-1980s), focusing on survivor and familial testimonies versus regime-supported narratives. It analyzes documented sources across three temporal waves: clandestine testimonies, post-dictatorship truth commissions, and contemporary intergenerational narratives. The study highlights the discourse of mental health as a vital mechanism for asserting legitimacy and recognition within state institutions. By revealing how state policies selectively validate trauma experiences, the research uncovers the complexities of collective memory, public responses, and the integration of diverse narratives into the national discourse on reconciliation.