Reflections on the Cultural Contexts of Conflict Resolution via Truth and Reconciliation Processes

Abstract

We are living in a global era in which widely accessible information and communication technology have raised our awareness; the many conflicts in interests, values, ideologies; and the ways of life of different people, societies, and nations. Amidst this awareness, tensions are increasing and efforts to resolve them have assumed a new priority within government, businesses, religious institutions, and other groups and organizations. A “versus” mentality has emerged that is undermining our social fabric, pitting individuals, groups, and nations against one another under conditions of distrust, resentment, and anger that are making it difficult to stem the rising tide of confrontation and to bring justice and accord. Truth and reconciliation assumptions and procedures have been used in local, national, and international to resolve conflicts and to promote harmonious solutions. However, the immediate and long-term effectiveness of truth and reconciliation are subject to debate, and the question of what constitutes a fair, just, and equitable solution remains controversial. One of the critical issues in answering this question, as well as questions related to the effectiveness of the all conflict resolution processes, is the role of cultural differences of the parties involved. The assumption that truth and reconciliation processes (e.g., confession, apology, penance, restitution, forgiveness) have universal validity and application is a major conceptual error. Though widely used at local, national, and international levels to resolve human rights offenses and violations, the failure to systematically consider and respond to the role of cultural variables can impede success. A multivariate equation is proposed that identifies critical cultural variables that need to be considered for a successful resolution of conflict.