Bonn Center for Reconciliation Studies

At the Bonn Center for Reconciliation Studies, researchers from diverse disciplines—such as the humanities, social sciences, law, and history—work collaboratively to develop theories and methodologies aimed at understanding, analysing, and promoting processes of reconciliation.

About us

Research Objectives

When, why and how is "reconciliation" achieved in different cultures - after a ceasefire or a first public commitment to peace? How are the terms “reconciliation” and “peace” used in different cultural and historical contexts, when and why? Scientists research these questions and develop a "paternalism-free" working definition of "reconciliation" that enables a dialogue with the cooperation partners and future-oriented cooperation in the field of development policy.

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Publications

News

Cooperation/International Affairs

Juniorprofessorship

Panel discussion: German Colonialism and its first Genocide

As Europe rethinks its foreign policy amidst shifting global political relations, one question remains central: Can cooperation succeed without confronting colonial history? This panel takes Germany’s first genocide of the 20th century in Namibia as a starting point to explore how colonial legacies continue to shape today’s global crises, from geopolitics and inequality to diplomacy and democracy. What does the “past in the present” mean for justice claims and Europe’s future role in the world?

First Colloquium on Peace, Conflict and Reconciliation Studies

On 29 January 2026, the Bonn Centre for Reconciliation Studies (BCRS), in cooperation with the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC), hosted the First Colloquium on Peace, Conflict and Reconciliation Studies in Bonn. The event was jointly organised by Rosario Figari-Layús (BCRS) and Conrad Schetter (BICC).

Panel discussion “Between Remembrance and a New Beginning"

On January 20, 2026, the third panel discussion, “Between Remembrance and a New Beginning – Reconciliation and Transitional Justice in Post-Conflict Contexts” took place at the University of Bonn. The event marked the conclusion of our panel discussion series, which addressed current challenges in reconciliation processes in various regions of the world.

Event Recap: “Reconciliation – A Utopia? Art and Science in Dialogue”

On January 13, 2026, the Theater Bonn hosted the event “Reconciliation – a utopia? Art and science in dialogue”. In an interdisciplinary dialogue, the tension between reconciliation, memory, and social responsibility was reflected upon.

Wednesday Mar 11, 2026

Panel discussion: German Colonialism and its first Genocide

Academy of International ...

06:00 PM - 07:30 PM

As Europe rethinks its foreign policy amidst shifting global political relations, one question remains central: Can cooperation succeed without confronting ...

Tuesday Jan 20, 2026

Zwischen Erinnerung und Neuanfang

Universität Bonn, ...

06:00 PM - 07:30 PM

Podiumsdiskussion: Zwischen Erinnerung und Neuanfang: Versöhnung und Transitional Justice in Post Konflikt Kontexten Mit dem Ziel, unterschiedliche ...

Tuesday Jan 13, 2026

Versöhnung – eine Utopie? KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT IM GESPRÄCH

Theater Bonn

07:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Neuer Antisemitismus – Versöhnung und das Recht auf Unversöhnlichkeit Schon seit einigen Jahren spricht man über die Entwicklung eines »neuen ...

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025

Konflikttransformation im Fokus

Universität Bonn, ...

06:00 PM - 07:30 PM

Podiumsdiskussion: Konflikttransformation im Fokus: Ansätze im Wandel und aktuelle Herausforderungen Mit dem Ziel, unterschiedliche Perspektiven zu ...