Full Description
"In the face of such 'unspeakable truths,' wouldn't it be better to simply, quietly bow down?" (Kora Andrieu: Sorry for the Genocide, 2009). This book takes an interdisciplinary approach to the question of colonial crimes. In order to reconcile with massive systemic injustice, not only the historical foundations and legal questions are relevant, but also political viewpoints and peace ethics. The book demonstrates that, in the face of extreme violence, even genocide, a political apology can be an effective tool for conflict transformation, even when the injustice is far in the past.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Maps
1 Introduction
1 Starting Position: Diagnosing the Problem
2 Enquiry/Key Questions, Aims, Research Hypotheses
3 Methodical Approach and Structure of This Paper
4 Sources and Current State of Literature and Research
5 Political and Scientific Relevance of This Paper
2 Historical Background Genocide in the Colony
1 Colonial Rule in German South West Africa
2 Eroding the Limits of Violence in War (1904 to 1908)
3 Concentration Camps and Forced Labour
4 Consequences in the Resent
3 On Legal Reappraisal Category Genocide
1 A Crime against Human Rights?
2 Answers Derived from Genocide Research
3 Judicial Reappraisal of the Colonial Injustice
4 Approaches of Political Reappraisal
1 Forgetting, Suppressing, Avoiding
2 Development Aid as Compensation?
3 The 'G-Word' and Breaking Taboos
4 Politicising Colonial Injustice
5 German-Namibian Talks
5 An Ethical and Moral Approach The Way of Apology
1 Requirements of a Political Apology
2 2004 Memorial Ceremony on the Waterberg - 'Forgive Us Our Trespasses'
3 Non-political Apologies
4 Impetus from Political Actors
5 Prospects of a Plea for Forgiveness
Conclusion
1 Summary
2 Policy Recommendation
3 Other Means of Reappraisal
4 Outlook
Afterword
Appendix
Sources and Literature
