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

Workshop: Entschädigung als Leitfaktor von Friedens- und Versöhnungsprozessen

This joint workshop organised by the Centre for Historical Peace Research and the Bonn Centre for Reconciliation Studies explores the many facets of reparations as a key factor in (historical and contemporary) peace and reconciliation processes, and the struggles over cultural heritage that are often associated with them.

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.

Follow-up Report: “Reconciliation—a Utopia?” “The Right to irreconcilability”— Is It Simply a Given?

As part of the series “Reconciliation—a Utopia?”, literary and social scientist Jan Philipp Reemtsma explored the question of a “right to irreconcilability.” The lecture encouraged a nuanced examination of the limits of reconciliation, the prerequisites for social coexistence, and how to deal with ongoing conflicts. We thank all guests for the stimulating discussions and the lively exchange between academia and the public.

Follow-up Report: “Reconciliation—a Utopia?” (Ir)reconciliability Between East and West Germany

As part of the series "RECONCILIATION – A UTOPIA?", author Lukas Rietzschel was a guest at the Schauspielhaus Bad Godesberg. Together with democracy researcher Hans Vorländer (TU Dresden), he discussed a highly topical issue: the (ir)reconciliability between East and West Germany. Based on an excerpt from Rietzschel’s latest novel, Sanditz, the discussion focused on issues of belonging, labels, and mutual misunderstandings—but also on stereotypes, the recognition of diversity, and the rise of the AfD in Germany. The central question was: Is “reconciliation” even necessary—or is acceptance what is needed to be able to reach out to one another again?

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, ...