Political Forgiveness Research Articles

Identidad Social y Emociones Intergrupales: Antecedentes de las Actitudes de Perdón y Reparación Política en Chile

In the context of the Chilean political reconciliation process, the present study conceptualizes and tests a meditational model that examines the relational pattern established between social identities (national and political) and attitudes toward political forgiveness and reparation, mediated by intergroup emotional factors (anger, empathy, trust, guilt, and shame). The model predicts that social identities are associated with forgiveness and reparation through the proposed emotional processes. A purposive sample of 225 students of 6 universities of Santiago who identify with the right and 264 who identify with the left voluntarily took part in the study. The results partially supported the predicted meditational role played by intergroup emotions in the relationship of identities with forgiveness and reparation, with different relational patterns being observed in the left and right-wing groups. In the former, empathy and anger were significant mediators of forgiveness, while in the latter, only empathy was a significant mediator of intergroup forgiveness and reparation. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are addressed.

On Language and the Possibility of Change

Sayed Kashua, a prominent novelist, screenwriter and journalist, has become a central figure in the Israeli public sphere in recent years. This essay examines Kashua's hypercritical treatment of both sociological and linguistic accounts of the young Palestinian generation in Israel – often referred to as the ‘Stand-Tall Generation’ – as reflected in his popular television series Arab Labour. This treatment will be examined via an investigation of two main interpretations of the phenomenon of Arabic–Hebrew code-switching – a well-known and documented phenomenon in Israeli Palestinian speech. The core corpus for this essay is the fourth episode of the first season of Arab Labour, in which Kashua's critique is crystallized, and which deals with the kidnapping of Meir, the Jewish photographer friend of the protagonist, Israeli Palestinian reporter Amjad. Kashua conveys his critique through an intensive treatment of the notion of code-switching, which includes not only a sophisticated usage of the phenomenon, but also a critique of the very notions of language and code, their relation to the distinction between reality and fiction, and the relevance of perceptions of these notions to the local political power relations. Kashua constantly directs his critique to both the linguistic and the metalinguistic levels, by adhering to the resistance of the phenomenon to offer itself to existing interpretations or explanations. By doing this, his texts invite the intervention of the Derridian metalinguistic critique, which besides its methodological importance in the midst of the sociological, sociolinguistic and discursive enquiry, should prove valuable also for the analysis of Kashua's inspiring thinking of the notions of criticality and intellectuality, of the role of the intellectual, and of the possibility of political change and forgiveness.

Reconciliation or Reconstruction? Further Thoughts on Political Forgiveness

Over the past decade a substantial literature has emerged on the concept of political forgiveness and the process of restorative justice. This article argues that importing an idea of forgiveness into political affairs is a mistake. It is not necessary for the promotion of peace and security, and it is has been construed in a way that leans heavily toward Christian conceptions of forgiveness, as is evident in the influence of Desmond Tutu. The article also examines the influence of Hegelian recognition theory in current discussions of the political benefits of forgiveness, and reviews the case of postwar German-Jewish relations, which conformed more closely to traditional Jewish thinking on forgiveness than to the Christian-Hegelian (multicultural) model.

Diffused Religion and Prayer Diffused Religion and Prayer

It is quite likely that the origins of prayer are to be found in ancient mourning and bereavement rites. Primeval ritual prayer was codified and handed down socially to become a deep-rooted feature of people’s cultural behavior, so much so, that it may surface again several years later, in the face of death, danger, need, even in the case of relapse from faith and religious practice. Modes of prayer depend on religious experience, on relations between personal prayer and political action, between prayer and forgiveness, and between prayer and approaches to religions. Various forms of prayer exist, from the covert-hidden to the overt-manifest kind. How can they be investigated? How can one, for instance, explore mental prayer? These issues regard the canon of diffused religion and, therefore, of diffused prayer.

Reconciling Enemies: Righteousness and Peace in Northern Ireland

The purpose of this paper is to articulate a Christian model of social and political engagement and to illustrate its appropriateness and fruitfulness through its application to the post-conflict situation in Northern Ireland. The argument is structured around three propositions, the implications of which are explored in a final fourth section: (1) that political forgiveness is an inappropriate model of Christian social and political engagement; (2) that Christians should seek justice/ righteousness in the public realm; (3) that Christian commitment and practice are contextual, and, consequently, the practice of righteousness in Northern Ireland must take account of and relate to the particular history of Northern Ireland; and finally (4) an account is provided of the form Christian righteousness could take in post-conflict Northern Ireland.

Forgiveness, amnesty and justice

The practice of forgiveness in processes of conflict resolution and post-conflict justice is confronted by two sets of serious criticisms. First, scholars and practitioners alike have questioned whether or not the fundamentally interpersonal practice of forgiveness can be readily and legitimately transposed to broader socio-political contexts. Second, questions have also been raised concerning the potential for forgiveness, particularly when associated with amnesties, to jeopardize and even circumvent the application of justice in post-conflict contexts. By contrast, supporters argue that forgiveness is not only possible but necessary in politics and, by drawing a distinction between amnesties and forgiveness, and restorative and retributive forms of justice, that forgiveness contributes to the achievement of restorative justice. By analysing the role that forgiveness is playing in bringing almost two decades of conflict between the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Ugandan government to an end, this article demonstrates that a disjuncture exists between the theoretical treatment of forgiveness and the practice of political forgiveness. That is, it demonstrates, contrary to arguments made by both its supporters and critics, that political forgiveness, even when conceived in conjunction with amnesties, may contribute to both restorative and retributive forms of justice.

Remorse and Forgiveness: A Contemporary Political Discussion

The theme of 'forgiveness in politics' has come to occupy considerable attention in recent times. Yet politics is seen as one of the most difficult spheres for ideas relating to forgiveness to flourish. Dubbed as a private virtue with religious moorings, it has nonetheless proven to be useful in countries recovering from conflict, particularly when the oppressors and the victims share the same territory and a common destiny. This paper seeks to make a case for forgiveness and apology in public affairs drawing on the contributions of the main exponents of forgiveness in the contemporary world, even as it identifies some of the moral and practical difficulties of its operationalisation.

Talking politics, talking forgiveness

AbstractThe aim of this article is to provide a provisional review and evaluation of recent Christian endorsements of the notion of political forgiveness. Attention is given to the doctrine of forgiveness in the New Testament and to its distinctive theological grammar. The chief theological features of Christian accounts of political forgiveness are outlined, before a number of weaknesses in the literature are identified and discussed. The implication of our discussion is that Christian love is expressed in two different ways, that of forgiveness upon repentance within the church and that of justice tempered by mercy in the socio-political realm.

Transitional justice and truth commissions: exploring narratives of repair and healing in the post-Holocaust era

The adoption of a resolution by the United Nations declaring 2009 the International Year of Reconciliation signaled the remarkable influence of truth commissions in international and domestic law. This article is a reflection on truth commissions. More precisely, it focuses on forgiveness of perpetrators as a unique outcome of this relatively new trend in transitional justice. The article identifies some developmental trends in the debates on forgiveness in the context of mass atrocity. Using a case example from the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the article considers the subtleties of cultural nuances in the dialogical exchange between victim and perpetrator when both victims and perpetrators are black Africans. The discussion raises the question of whether forgiveness in societies emerging from mass violence might be viewed as a moral imperative necessary to heal societies from a destructive past. The article concludes by arguing that stories of forgiveness in politics may inspire reflective engagement with the past by perpetrators and bystanders who supported repressive governments, and that this may help create a reparative humanism and the possibility of societal transformation.

Palestinian Political Forgiveness

The authors reflect on the possibility of Palestinian political forgiveness on the part of both Palestine and Israel. They discuss the concept of political forgiveness, as well as reasons for taking feelings out of the account of political forgiveness. They claim that a Palestinian agent who has been wronged by an Israeli is the presumption of Palestinian political forgiveness. They argue that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) could satisfy the basic conditions for the possibility of Palestinian forgiveness.

No Future Without (Personal) Forgiveness: Reexamining the Role of Forgiveness in Transitional Justice

This article discusses the political possibilities of personal forgiveness in transitional justice. Personal forgiveness is extended by a single human victim who has been harmed by a wrongdoer. The victim forgives only that harm which has been done to him or to her. Personal forgiveness is distinguishable from three other forms of forgiveness: group forgiveness, legal forgiveness (a form of group forgiveness), and political forgiveness. In the context of transitional justice, I argue that: (1) personal forgiveness is a necessary condition for political forgiveness; (2) group forgiveness (including legal forgiveness), while not without a normative function, cannot effectuate either personal or political forgiveness, and (3) personal forgiveness requires a shared narrative framework to lead to political forgiveness. These assertions lead to two further observations. First, because the state has a normative role in its (limited) capacity to forgive on its own behalf and a practical role in its ability to spread and to transmit a shared narrative framework, the state is an important actor in political forgiveness. Second, because the primary historical example of political forgiveness in transitional justice is the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission that unfolded within an explicitly Christian theological framework, it may be that the shared narrative framework need be religious or even Christian in nature.

Trauma, forgiveness and the witnessing dance: making public spaces intimate

In this paper I explore the concept of forgiveness as a response to gross human rights violations. I present a conceptual examination of the effects of massive trauma in relation to what I refer to as the 'unfinished business' of trauma. Using a psychoanalytic framework, I consider the process of 'bearing witness' about trauma and examine how this process opens up the possibility of reciprocal expressions of empathy between victim and perpetrator. I then argue that, in this context of trauma testimony and witnessing, empathy is essential for the development of remorse on the part of perpetrators, and of forgiveness on the part of victims. Using a case study from South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) I clarify the relationship between empathy and forgiveness, and show how the restorative model of the TRC can open up an ethical space and create the possibility of transformation for victims, perpetrators and bystanders. In my conclusion I suggest that forgiveness in politics is the only action that holds promise for the repair of brokenness in post-conflict societies, particularly if, as in South Africa, victims have to live together with perpetrators and beneficiaries in the same country.

Human Rights and the Promise of Political Forgiveness

While legal retribution provides an effective way of confronting wrongdoing within stable, developed societies, the retributive model is not well equipped to deal with regime offenses, civil war atrocities, and genocide. If deeply divided societies are to be healed, more than punishment is required. A more effective approach in dealing with systemic offenses is restorative justice, which emphasizes the reparation of human relationships. Unlike retribution, which emphasizes accountability and punishment, the restorative approach pursues healing and reconciliation based on truth, acknowledgement of wrongdoing, remorse and contrition, renunciation of revenge, and forgiveness. The mitigation of punishment is thus a means to the restoration of community.

CATHOLIC PEACEMAKING, 1991–2005: THE LEGACY OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

As an active participant in global affairs, Pope John Paul II shaped the development of the Catholic perspective on peace and conflict. He introduced innovations in church teaching on nonviolence, humanitarian intervention, and forgiveness in international politics, while emphasizing old ideas like the importance of international law and institutions. His initiatives promoted increased interfaith dialogue and helped to build momentum for peace among religious leaders and Catholics throughout the world. Pope John Paul II's life and thinking pose a Catholic challenge to narrow versions of Just War Theory.

The Healing of Nations: The Promise and Limits of Political Forgiveness and International Governance of War-Torn Territories: Rule and Reconstruction

The Healing of Nations: The Promise and Limits of Political Forgiveness. By Mark R. Amstutz. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2005, 296p. 29.95 paper.International Governance of War-Torn Territories: Rule and Reconstruction. By Richard Caplan. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005, 304p. $99.00 cloth.In the late 1990s, the World Bank conducted a far-reaching research program on the causes of civil war. Were civil wars inspired mainly by genuine unresolved political grievances, or were they precipitated by predatory groups (including governments) seeking to profit monetarily from violence and instability? Among the bank's myriad findings, many of them hotly disputed, came one assertion around which there was almost universal consensus: that the single factor that made future conflict likely was past conflict concluded within the previous five years. This finding, based on exhaustive empirical research, has two profound consequences for thinkers and practitioners engaged in formulating and assessing the transition from war to peace. On the one hand, it shows that the risks and costs of failure are high. Failure to foster political reconciliation, to tackle the root causes of conflict, to rebuild shattered economies and (among other things) provide a secure environment is more likely to lead to the outbreak of war and oppression than any other factor. On the other hand, the World Bank findings show that—contra some skeptics who argue that third parties have no part to play and that political conflicts are best resolved violently—long-term success need not be a chimera: Build peace effectively for over five years and the chances of future conflict decrease dramatically. There are clear lessons for Iraq here—civil war need not be inevitable, but to avoid it requires getting a wide variety of things right that are currently going wrong.

Performing Social Reparation: “Comfort Women” And The Path To Political Forgiveness

During WWII, 200,000 girls and young women from across Asia were sexually enslaved by Japan—a tragic history unearthed less than 20 years ago and still inadequately addressed by the Japanese government. This paper examines, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the legacy of this “comfort women” history, problematizing its attendant rituals of apology, “political forgiveness,” and reparation. The author analyzes the meaning of apology and forgiveness, and develops a typology of “reparation,“ concluding that what surviving “comfort women” have articulated is a model of “social reparation,” or a holistic goal of mending the past and restoring an international human community.

The Healing of Nations: The Promise and Limits of Political Forgiveness. By Mark R. Amstutz. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2005. 281 pp. $27.95 paper

The Healing of Nations: The Promise and Limits of Political Forgiveness. By Mark R. Amstutz. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2005. 281 pp. $27.95 paper

Political Culture and African Americans' Forgiveness of Elected Officials

A noticeable component of African American political behavior is a tendency to support some elected officials who were involved in earlier scandals. This political forgiveness has also been seen among urban white ethnics, whose political culture tolerated occasional misbehavior among elected officials, provided the officials worked to meet the material needs of their supporters. African Americans have similar expectations of their elected officials, but also forgive errant politicians who have been forceful advocates on behalf of issues that are of great concern to their constituents.

Religious teaching and political context: the case of Cyprus

In this article I aim to explore some philosophical issues involved in teaching religion in Cyprus and suggest some preconditions in order for this teaching to be sensitive to the multicultural character of the island and conducive to the vision of reconciliation and reunification. First, I shall clarify some particularities of the political problem of Cyprus, since many misconceptions obscure the understanding of the real stakes at issue, having crucial repercussions for demarcating the role of religious belief. For the Cyprus problem has been misconceived by many people as a kind of religious and ethnic conflict, thus raising various kinds of false dilemmas and expectations in relation to the local religions (Christian Orthodoxy and Islam) and their future cultivation in the schools of the two communities. I shall attempt to ‘put the record straight’ in a way, showing that the Cyprus issue is not reducible to the religious difference of the peoples involved, and suggest what I believe is the real challenge now regarding the teaching of religion in this part of the world. The independence treaties left Cypriots—particularly Greek Cypriots—with a political half‐life. If the NATO allies thought the contrived constitutional arrangement would enable the two communities to live peacefully together, they were badly mistaken. (O’Malley & Craig, 2002, p. 87) Like forgetting, forgiving permits starting over. But unlike forgetting, political forgiveness requires that the past be recalled and acknowledged for what it is. (Digeser, 1998, p. 716)

The healing of nations: the promise and limits of political forgiveness

The healing of nations: the promise and limits of political forgiveness