A case study of the role of apology in the Cambodian post-genocide reconciliation process.

Source: (2011) Thesis submitted to the faculty of Saybrook University. Master’s of Arts (M.A.) in Human Science. San Francisco, California.

This study converged historical and empirical evidence to focus upon two
questions: how does apology play a role in Cambodian post-conflict reconciliation
process, and what do Cambodians believe should be the terms and contents of an apology
for it to be meaningful and effective? A questionnaire, adapted from an Australian study,
obtains views from 14 key informants about the role of apology in reconciliation. Reports
of public apologies delivered by Khmer Rouge leaders were compared to interview
responses. A majority of the participants reported that apology increases in relevance as
reconciliation efforts move to address specific communities and consider a meaningful
and effective apology as part of a negotiated process. If applied nationally, apologies
delivered in a negotiated reconciliation process may help Cambodians to achieve their
own reconciliation and healing.(author’s abstract)