‘It always seems impossible, until it is done’: Perspectives on reconciliation and its underlying processes in post-conflict societies

Abstract

This Special Issue editorial explores perspectives on intergroup reconciliation and its underlying processes in post-conflict societies, emphasizing the importance of four key themes: 1) victimhood, 2) acknowledgment, 3) forgiveness, and 4) intergroup contact. After presenting the state of the art in reconciliation research, we present the individual contributions in this Special Issue, and we link them to the four key themes. We end this editorial by setting out an agenda for future research, underscoring the timeliness and relevance of reconciliation efforts in today's world. By offering insights into evidence-based interventions and practical strategies for promoting positive intergroup relations, this Special Issue hopes to contribute to the broader discourse on peacebuilding and social cohesion in post-conflict societies.