Psychosocial Antecedents of Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Extremism
By Alexandra Vázquez Botana
This paper examines some of the factors that determine extremism and the willingness to forgive and reconcile in the context of intergroup conflict. The paper focuses on a limited set of determining factors identified in the scientific literature on these topics, with specific selection criteria designed to inform a series of multi‑country, longitudinal, mixed methods studies being conducted by King’s College London under the Cross‑Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme, and focused on the socio‑emotional aspects of forgiveness, reconciliation and extremism. Recommendations for practitioners and policymakers are included in the policy brief which accompanies this review.
Read the full Review of Evidence here, and accompanying Policy Brief here.
Syrians celebrate the victory of the Syrian revolution. Syria, January 07, 2025. Credit: Mohammad Bash / Shutterstock.com
This publication is issued by the Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme, funded by UK International Development. XCEPT brings together world-leading experts and local researchers to examine conflict-affected borderlands, how conflicts connect across borders, the intersection of climate stresses and conflict, and the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour, to inform policies and programmes that support peace.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the UK government.
This document is issued on the understanding that if any extract is used, the author(s) should be credited, with the date of the publication and reference to XCEPT. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material in this document, the author(s) will not be liable for any loss or damages incurred through the use of this document.
