Latin American Perspectives on Peace and Reconciliation

This chapter focuses on perceptions of peace and reconciliation in a sample Latin Americans from seven countries. We first define peace and reconciliation, distinguishing these terms from apology and forgiveness. We next describe approaches to peace and reconciliation ranging from social reconstruction to trials, truth commissions, reparations, lustration, and amnesties, along with holistic methods that balance need for accountability and stability. We also review peace agreements, human rights conventions, laws, and court rulings that promote peace and reconciliation in the region. Latin Americans voiced individual and collective agency and moral engagement in their perceptions of peace; they identified various ways to bring about peace and reconciliation. However, Latin Americans had mixed opinions about whether peace and reconciliation can be achieved. Latin Americans expressed the view that peace and reconciliation not only requires cessation of hostilities but must also address relational issues on which a transition from conflict to reconciliation hinges.