The power of an apology

Relevance: Content in this article can be mostly useful in your essay on international relations.  

Synopsis: Apologies from governments for past mistakes can help individuals reconcile with the past and enhance bilateral relations. 

Introduction  

In May, Germany apologised to Namibia for the slaughter of the Herero and Nama people in1904-1908, for the first time calling it a genocide. Around the same day, in Rwanda, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged his country’s part in the Rwandan genocide and expressed hope for forgiveness. 

What are the effects of these gestures? 

It is impossible to exaggerate the significance of these gestures. They have a variety of beneficial effects. Apart from improving relations between the countries involved, leaders’ apologies assist people in reconciling with the past, and countries and communities in learning from history and avoiding similar catastrophes. 

The conclusion  

In today’s geopolitics, a feeling of humility is arguably a rare occurrence. From Nicaragua to Myanmar, we are seeing a resurgence of political leaders who are willing to go to any length to maintain power. In this climate, apologetic voices become even more valuable, as they aid us in reconciling with unfortunate occurrences in the past and removing historical stains. 

• To be a pillar of the multipolar world in this sense, one must be more than a military power, an industrial and/or financial powerhouse, and/or a global investor. Countries that aspire to global leadership should also be capable of moral leadership. This comprises critical self-reflection, humility, compassion, and caring not only for themselves, but also for the world’s most vulnerable groups. 

Terms to Know:  

Herero and Nama People  

Komagata Maru Incident  

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