We are pleased to invite you to the lecture delivered by Prof. Reza Hasmath entitled “Saying Sorry: How States Can Effectively Apologize (and Have a Long-Lasting Positive Effect on the Aggrieved Party)” on 31 May at 15:00 in room 08.

Prof. Hasmath argues that most state apologies are about rehumanizing the apologizer. It is about reestablishing trust in the state, and to signal that the state will do better in the future. However, state apologies can also serve to rehumanize the apologized by bringing voice and awareness to the grievance, even to the extent of psychologically healing the aggrieved individuals and/or social group(s) affected.

He asks a crucial question: In the rare instances where the explicit goal of state apologies is to rehumanize the apologize, what impact or effect does this have on the apologizer and apologized? 

Based on behavioural economics, management, sociology and political science, he discusses the best and worst practices for nation states to make an apology that have a long-lasting, positive effect on the aggrieved part