These Are Not Just Words: A Cross-National Comparative Study of the Content of Political Apologies

Countries around the world increasingly try to redress past human rights violations by offering apologies. The debates surrounding many of these political apologies suggest they do not necessarily satisfy victims’ needs. Little is known, however, about actual content and extent which include elements that are often seen as essential healing processes. In this exploratory study, we conducted a cross-national comparative analysis texts (N = 203, offered 50 countries) coded whether included statement sorry, apology, or regret (IFID), an acknowledgement wrongdoing, acceptance responsibility, promise non-repetition, reparations, recognition victim suffering, re-inclusion, praise, moral values/norms. We found majority only selection elements, with some countries more comprehensive than others. Most apologies, contain IFID, acknowledgment wrongdoing although there variation in how expressed. This can be linked receiving group (i.e., within-country not), contentiousness apology country – albeit weakly cultural context. Based on findings, when considering impact it crucial consider quantity (how components included) well quality done).