This chapter aims to give the historical background of transitional justice in general, bringing to fore illuminating Global North–South dialogues and gaps in the field, relevant when analysing legitimacy for key institutions like the ICC. The chapter discusses legal theories of justice, that underline the normative nature of transitional justice. There is a comprehensive analysis of transnational dialogues and intersections, as responses to transitional justice. The underlying question relates to: what extent are such transnational dialogues and intersections reshaping victims’ perspectives on criminal justice? It highlights key contemporary criticisms of transitional justice and shows pathways for more research in the field. In line with the goal of the book, the chapter links legitimacy to the work of transnational networks and ICL. It situates NGOs within the contours of transitional justice. By utilising this line of research, this chapter lays the foundation for analysing the two case studies of Uganda and Myanmar.