Sorry States

Apologies in International Politics

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations
Cover of the book Sorry States by Jennifer Lind, Cornell University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jennifer Lind ISBN: 9780801462276
Publisher: Cornell University Press Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: Cornell University Press Language: English
Author: Jennifer Lind
ISBN: 9780801462276
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: Cornell University Press
Language: English

Governments increasingly offer or demand apologies for past human rights abuses, and it is widely believed that such expressions of contrition are necessary to promote reconciliation between former adversaries. The post-World War II experiences of Japan and Germany suggest that international apologies have powerful healing effects when they are offered, and poisonous effects when withheld. West Germany made extensive efforts to atone for wartime crimes-formal apologies, monuments to victims of the Nazis, and candid history textbooks; Bonn successfully reconciled with its wartime enemies. By contrast, Tokyo has made few and unsatisfying apologies and approves school textbooks that whitewash wartime atrocities. Japanese leaders worship at the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals among Japan's war dead. Relations between Japan and its neighbors remain tense.

Examining the cases of South Korean relations with Japan and of French relations with Germany, Jennifer Lind demonstrates that denials of past atrocities fuel distrust and inhibit international reconciliation. In Sorry States, she argues that a country's acknowledgment of past misdeeds is essential for promoting trust and reconciliation after war. However, Lind challenges the conventional wisdom by showing that many countries have been able to reconcile without much in the way of apologies or reparations. Contrition can be highly controversial and is likely to cause a domestic backlash that alarms—rather than assuages—outside observers. Apologies and other such polarizing gestures are thus unlikely to soothe relations after conflict, Lind finds, and remembrance that is less accusatory-conducted bilaterally or in multilateral settings-holds the most promise for international reconciliation.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Governments increasingly offer or demand apologies for past human rights abuses, and it is widely believed that such expressions of contrition are necessary to promote reconciliation between former adversaries. The post-World War II experiences of Japan and Germany suggest that international apologies have powerful healing effects when they are offered, and poisonous effects when withheld. West Germany made extensive efforts to atone for wartime crimes-formal apologies, monuments to victims of the Nazis, and candid history textbooks; Bonn successfully reconciled with its wartime enemies. By contrast, Tokyo has made few and unsatisfying apologies and approves school textbooks that whitewash wartime atrocities. Japanese leaders worship at the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals among Japan's war dead. Relations between Japan and its neighbors remain tense.

Examining the cases of South Korean relations with Japan and of French relations with Germany, Jennifer Lind demonstrates that denials of past atrocities fuel distrust and inhibit international reconciliation. In Sorry States, she argues that a country's acknowledgment of past misdeeds is essential for promoting trust and reconciliation after war. However, Lind challenges the conventional wisdom by showing that many countries have been able to reconcile without much in the way of apologies or reparations. Contrition can be highly controversial and is likely to cause a domestic backlash that alarms—rather than assuages—outside observers. Apologies and other such polarizing gestures are thus unlikely to soothe relations after conflict, Lind finds, and remembrance that is less accusatory-conducted bilaterally or in multilateral settings-holds the most promise for international reconciliation.

More books from Cornell University Press

Cover of the book The Art of English Poesy by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Bedside Manners by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book A History of Medieval Spain by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Hospitality Branding by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book And the Sparrow Fell by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Women's Work and Chicano Families by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book The Morning Breaks by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Antiques by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Sanctified Landscape by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book The Pathological Family by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book A Delicate Relationship by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Taming the Wild Field by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Drawing the Lines by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Cars for Comrades by Jennifer Lind
Cover of the book Humanitarian Hypocrisy by Jennifer Lind
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy