Publication Type: Proceeding
Abstract: The idea of forgiveness in politics seems oxymoronic or, perhaps, even dangerous to the welfare of nation-states. Even if individuals (e.g., leaders) could forgive one another, how could groups, communities, or nations meaningfully do the same? In this paper, I argue that forgiveness is an idea that belongs squarely in the political realm, and that the connection between individual- and macro-level forgiveness lies in the connection between self-interest and morality, emotion and reason. Borrowing from evolutionary biology and psychology, I explore the bridges between human self-interest and moral behavior, and argue that forgiveness can no longer be viewed as a strictly Western or religious phenomenon. Rather, it must be viewed as a universal human capacity, a vital tool in the repertoire of policymakers across the globe.