One of the most challenging human rights violations to investigate are forced disappearances. The challenges are vast, from identifying what legally constitutes a forced disappearance, to creating avenues for accountability when there is little evidence and identifying who is responsible for uncovering the truth. This course examines why some cases have achieved meaningful progress toward accountability while others continue to struggle. Students will examine how political science approached the study of forced disappearances and how political institutions, civil society, and international organizations play a role in supporting or hindering efforts to locate the disappeared and pursue justice. By examining case studies and debates in the literature, we will analyze why these practices persist.