The Challenges of Reconciliation in
Polarized Societies

Office of Peace and Governance,
King Prajadhipok's Institute, Bangkok, Thailand

Conflict and polarization are evident at various levels of many societies today from school violence to serious political conflicts. Many people call for reconciliation, but what does this mean? Does nonviolent protest help or hinder reconciliation? In this workshop, participants have opportunities to engage in discussions and dialogue about several themes of reconciliation including apologies, forgiveness, restorative forms of justice, and the role of nonviolent protest in social change. See the topics and schedule below.

---

The Challenges of Reconciliation in Polarized Societies: Topics

• What is the meaning of conflict? What is "peace"?
• How does reconciliation differ from other forms of handling conflict?
• The challenges of "reconciliation" after serious conflict: Do we seek peace or justice or both?
• Acknowledgements and apologies: True and false apologies
• Forgiveness: What does forgiveness mean? Are there middle ways between amnesties and vengeance?
• The role of nonviolent struggle in reconciliation: What counts as "nonviolent"? What helps and what hinders?

---

* * * * * * *

---