Political Apologies in International Relations
Political Apologies in International Relations
- Deli YangDeli YangUniversity of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Dept. of Political Science
- , and Paul F. DiehlPaul F. DiehlSchool of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas and University of Illinois Urban-Champaign
Summary
The so-called age of apology has led to a burgeoning literature on political apologies in international relations, centering on state officials’ recognition of historical transgressions, acceptance of responsibility, and expressions of remorse. Along with the empirical increase in political apologies has been a growth and expansion of scholarly studies devoted to understanding them as purposive acts in diplomacy. The examination of this literature is divided into three primary segments: (a) the definition and different types of apologies; (b) the motivations behind the use of apologies; and (c) the outcomes of apologies, specifically whether they promote better relations between states, whether there is a domestic backlash, and what effects they have on international reputation. Although apologies are generally aimed at reconciliation, they often yield mixed results. On the domestic front, international apologies can provoke domestic backlash, undermining leaders seeking reconciliation and tarnishing their perceived sincerity. Paradoxically, if a state is willing to risk domestic dissent in order to offer an apology, it may be perceived as a costly commitment to reconciliation internationally. At the global level, apologies can serve as tools for repairing tarnished reputations by signaling a departure from past missteps. Nevertheless, they might also be interpreted as signs of weakness, thereby reducing the apologizing state’s symbolic power.
Subjects
- World Politics