Polarization: The Role of Emotions in Reconciliation Efforts

Source: (2009) Law and Contemporary Problems. 72(2):27-31.

Experience has shown that large- and small-scale community reconciliation
efforts also highlight these inadequacies in the theoretical knowledge of
individual, dyadic conflicts in the larger context of understanding the emotions
around group conflict. A capital trial, with all of its different participants,
“camps or groups,” and power dynamics, can be seen as a microcosm of a
community. In individual, dyadic conflicts, apologies usually precede
forgiveness, and apologies are typically preceded by a new understanding of the
circumstances of the past. Is it possible to create this scenario on a large scale,
such as that of a community involved in a capital trial, or for a civic community?
And if so, how? (excerpt)