Reconciliation (reconciliation studies)

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Reconciliation is a widely used and applied concept. Reconciliation research (or Reconciliation Studies) specifically studies the definition, types, degrees, and practical applications of this concept.

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Definition

Reconciliation is generally viewed as a process, outcome, or goal for improving relationships. More specifically, it is a process of creating "normal" and if possible "good" relationships between the parties in response to grave incidents such as wars, civil conflicts, genocides, atrocities, forced displacement, enslavement, dictatorship, oppression, colonialism, Apartheid, and other human rights violations and injustices. [1] In these situations of massive violations of human rights, reconciliation means creating a time and place to address past suffering, integrate, embrace, and share a common future. [2] It is a process of improving relations between and within groups, recognition of social identities and power dynamics, addressing trauma and reckoning with the past. [3] Reconciliation mainly focuses on building or rebuilding relationships and dealing with the past, present and future and is an essential part of Peacebuilding by addressing the root causes of conflict and improving intergroup relations. The definition of reconciliation encompasses a variety of perspectives, open to wide applications and sometimes overlapping interpretations, depending on the actor employing the term.

Type and degree of reconciliation

Reconciliation is about building or rebuilding relationships and always involves the question of who to reconcile with. The target may be an individual, an interpersonal relationship, an institution, or social, political, ethnic, religious, or other groups. It could also reach into deeper areas, not just reconciliation between conflicting entities. From this perspective, reconciliation can be classified into five dimensions [4] : 1) With oneself, 2) With the other(s), 3) With the own group, 4) With the environment, 5) With transcendence. Reconciliation also goes beyond the personal encounter between victims and perpetrators; it also involves changing structural violence such as poverty, discrimination, and exclusion, and promoting mutual respect based on justice to heal deep-rooted hatred and hostility toward each other. Reconciliation is a long-term process that creates a culture of sustainable peace.

There is a description of the degree of (or level of) reconciliation. This is sometimes measured on a normative scale of reconciliation, such as “minimalist” to “maximalist” or “thin” to “thick”. Thin-level reconciliation is a basic agreement for minimal coexistence between former enemies which is "simple coexistence". [5] It excludes or minimizes recognition of the past and responsibility and focuses on the needs of the present. It is an important first step toward full reconciliation in that it can lead to a ceasefire and start a formal dialogue. In contrast, the maximal and thick reconciliation approach would require individual as well as social transformation, encompassing acknowledgment of past wrongdoings, mutual acceptance, a shared future and even forgiveness. It is a more victim-centered approach aimed at respect and healing for the victims. Some scholars also categorize reconciliation into non-reconciliation, shallow reconciliation and deep reconciliation based on the consensus of narratives, in which case the key factor in categorizing the degree is the history of both sides and the confrontation of historical narratives. [6]

The goal of reconciliation is a journey that starts at a minimal level and progresses to a maximal reconciliation through successive phases.

Process of reconciliation

There is no standardized reconciliation process of universal application. Interdisciplinary scholars are researching how reconciliation is structured and what procedures are desirable, based on historical and empirical records. For example, Fanie du Toit (2018), former Executive Director at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation proposed a theoretical approach to reconciliation-as-interdependence to initiate reconciliation in ongoing conflicts based on a case in South Africa. He emphasizes the restoration of just relations while reminding that reconciliation is the only alternative for the long-term well-being of one's own community and the hostile group. In terms of the reconciliation process, most would agree with the following description.

The reconciliation Process [7]
The process of reconciliation is not:The process of reconciliation is:
• an excuse for impunity;


• only an individual process;

• in opposition to/an alternative to truth or justice;
 • a quick answer;
• a religious concept;

• perfect peace;

 • an excuse to forget; nor

• a matter of merely forgiving

• finding a way to live that permits a vision of the future;


• the (re)building of relationships;

 • coming to terms with past acts and enemies;

• a society-wide, long-term process of deep change;

 • a process of acknowledging, remembering, and learning from the past; and
• voluntary and cannot be imposed

Reconciliation does not mean that victims should forget the series of past violence and move on for the common good. Rather, it involves justice, historical awareness of what the victims have experienced, reparation, psychological healing, punishment of the perpetrators and moral rectitude and many other practices. This requires a multi-dimensional approach which would promote the opportunity, space, actions, expertise and will for both victims and perpetrators to recover. Addressing complexities of social identity and power in intergroup relations, reconciliation processes redefine social boundaries, reduce intergroup threat and relative deprivation, address traumas and historical injustices, and create inclusive and balanced collective axiology. [8] Reconciliation is also not something that happens entirely after the conflict or violence is over.

Reconciliation in practice

Practical examples of facilitating reconciliation include politically documented acts such as treaties, conventions, or legal provisions; symbolic acts such as apologies from heads of state; formal reparations; or the establishment of memorials or monuments. Also, various research institutes, civil society organizations, and related organizations are running programs to promote reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is a well-known and the most common domestic organization which is tasked with reconciliation. Conflict Mediation, Trauma healing, Community Dialogue are representative programs being carried out by civil society. [9]

Many studies have also suggested that gender considerations significantly enhance the effectiveness of reconciliation processes. Based on these findings, there is a growing number of programs that include female voices in testimony and records, engage female representatives in dialogue, and provide training for them.

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References

  1. ↑ Website of Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies. https://www.jcrs.uni-jena.de/154/what-is-reconciliation-about (text by Martin Leiner)
  2. ↑ Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies. United States Institute of Peace Press
  3. ↑ Korostelina, K.V. (2018). Reconciliation in Ukraine: within and across the boundary. In Gardner L. (ed). Societies in Transition. The Former Soviet Union and East Central Europe between Conflict and Reconciliation, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, pp.105-130
  4. ↑ Website of JCRS. https://www.jcrs.uni-jena.de/154/what-is-reconciliation-about (text by Martin Leiner)
  5. ↑ Charles Villa-Vicencio. (1998). A Different Kind of Justice: The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Contemporary Justice Review 1, pp.407-428.
  6. ↑ He, Y. (2011). Comparing Post-War (West) German–Polish and Sino-Japanese Reconciliation: A Bridge Too Far? Europe-Asia Studies, 63(7), pp.1157–1194. https://doi.org/10.1080/09668136.2011.592266
  7. ↑ Bloomfield, D., Barnes, T., Huyse, L., & International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (Eds.). (2003). Reconciliation after violent conflict: A handbook. International IDEA.
  8. ↑ Korostelina, K.V. (2024) The Bridge Model: the role of Identity in Peace processes. In Korostelina, K.V., Gopin M., Helsing J., and A. Ozerdem (Editors). Identity and Religion in Peace Processes: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Tactics. Routledge, p.18
  9. ↑ Kelly Mckone. (2015). Reconciliation in Practice. United States Institute of Peace.

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