Reconciliation as an ongoing political project

Reconciliation is not an easy concept to define. The term is referred to in various contexts, and with various meanings, both religious and secular, and ethical and practical.¹ It also accompanies multiple aspirational interpretations. Accordingly, some are sceptical of seeking a universal definition of reconciliation,² or avoid the term entirely. Still, there seems to be a common basic understanding that reconciliation, at least, is about somehow fixing or restoring ‘broken relationships'. Moreover, it is now seen as a crucial element of post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding, or more specifically, a desirable goal of transitional justice.