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

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Cooperation/International Affairs

Juniorprofessorship

Follow-up Report: “Reconciliation — A Utopia? Art and Science in Dialogue”

As part of the event series “Reconciliation—A Utopia?”, political scientist Grit Straßenberger was a guest in the foyer of the Schauspielhaus Bonn on June 10, 2026. There, she presented her biography of the philosopher and political thinker Hannah Arendt, published in 2025. The event was part of a collaboration between the Theater Bonn and the Bonn Center for Reconciliation Research and was dedicated to one of the most influential intellectuals of the 20th century

Follow-up Report: Workshop “Compensation as a Guiding Principle of Peace and Reconciliation Processes”

On 8 June 2026, scholars gathered during the University of Bonn’s Heritage Week to discuss the diverse roles of compensation and reparations in historical and contemporary peace and reconciliation processes. Co-organized with the Center for Historical Peace Research, the workshop brought together perspectives from history, cultural studies, and the social sciences.

DFG Approves Research Training Group “Reconciliation and Its Equivalents in Transcultural Comparison”

We are pleased to announce the approval of the new DFG Research Training Group “Reconciliation and Its Equivalents in Transcultural Comparison” (GRK 3125). Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Christine Krüger, an interdisciplinary research and training program will be established in the coming years that focuses on the study of reconciliation in various cultural contexts.

The Thinker Hannah Arendt and Her Century

Hannah Arendt is regarded as one of the most significant thinkers of the 20th century. Her life and work reflect the major upheavals of her time: totalitarianism, exile, loss, and new beginnings. But Arendt did not merely want to bear witness—she wanted to understand. Grit Straßenberger presents her biography of Hannah Arendt, published in 2025. In it, she paints a vivid and personal portrait of the philosopher that goes far beyond her well-known writings. Through the recollections of friends, colleagues, and students, Arendt emerges as an extraordinary thinker and, at the same time, a “master of friendship”—a woman whose ideas continue to inspire us today.

Wednesday Jun 10, 2026

Reconciliation – A Utopia? Art and Science in Dialogue

Theater Bonn, ...

07:30 PM

The Thinker Hannah Arendt and Her Century Hannah Arendt is regarded as one of the most significant thinkers of the 20th century. Her life and work reflect ...

Monday Jun 08, 2026

Entschädigung als Leitfaktor von Friedens- & Versöhnungsprozessen

Center for Historical ...

09:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Workshop: Entschädigung als Leitfaktor von Friedens- und Versöhnungsprozessen This joint workshop organised by the Centre for Historical Peace Research and ...

Tuesday May 19, 2026

Reconciliation – A Utopia? Art and Science in Dialogue

Theater Bonn

07:30 PM

(Ir)reconciliation between East and West Germany Bonn—perhaps the most “West German” city in the Federal Republic. Traces of the former federal capital are ...

Thursday Apr 30, 2026

Discussion: Can forests have rights?

Global Heritage Lab / ...

04:00 PM

The GHL seminar series continues on Thursday, April 30th with a Panel Discussion bringing together Matthias Kramm, Jenny García Ruales, Alejandro Mora Motta, ...