Edward Elgar Publishing Post-Conflict Reconciliation: Ethology, Philosophy and Social Psychology of Intergroup Reconciliation

In this perceptive book, Arie Nadler examines the historical development and varying definitions of reconciliation, drawing on social psychological research to elucidate its underlying processes. Nadler explores post-conflict reconciliation through a variety of lenses, assessing conciliatory behaviors among animals, philosophical approaches, and instrumental versus socio-emotional processes of reconciliation. Analyzing Hegel, Arendt and Amery’s understanding of reconciliation and considering the role of victimhood in intergroup reconciliation, Nadler grapples with the threat of reignited conflict post resolution. He addresses social psychological research on promoting trusting relations between former adversaries and ameliorating conflict-related threats to their identities. Chapters consider how former enemies may cooperate to build trust, and the effects of truth commissions and public apologies on conciliatory tendencies. The book sheds light on real-world efforts to build trust and stable reconciled intergroup relations between former enemies. The book highlights remaining dilemmas in the study of post-conflict reconciliation. This book is an essential resource for scholars and students of social psychology, political science, and sociology. It is also a beneficial read for professionals promoting ceasefires, and practitioners in governmental services and NGOs working towards an end to international and intra-societal unrest.