Bilateral relations : relevance of apology
Simple apologies can change the geopolitics of the world
The power of an apology is worth more than a billion dollars — money that otherwise is spent on wars. Unfortunately, allegations and counter-allegations are quite customary in international politics. Countries leave no stones unturned to blame their enemies or take revenge due to a bitter past. And how? By simply passing lewd remarks. With geopolitics becoming complicated, countries need simple solutions. And believe it or not, an apology can prove to be the simplest and most effective solution.
The best example of how an apology can refurbish a nation's image is Germany’s acceptance and formal apology for the Holocaust that killed about six million Jews. No one could have ever imagined the present level of normalcy and comfort between Germany and Israel. The apology (along with €45 billion which Germany paid as of 2007) has not only led to refurbishment of Germany’s image and dilution of sour feelings, but also has boosted the bilateral trade relations (Germany is Israel's second largest import partner). Similarly, Japan has apologised in the past to Burma, Australia, Korea and China on many occasions in order to restore normal relations. Naoto Kann, Japanese PM apologised on August'10, 2010, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of Japan's annexation of the Korean peninsula for his nation's role during their colonial rule. He said, “For the enormous damage and suffering caused by colonisation, I would like to express once again our deep regret and sincere apology.” Recently, North Korea offered to talk with South Korea on military issues (which the South has belatedly accepted after initial refusals). What stops these two nations from exchanging their fair share of apologies and getting on with more important worldly matters? Nationalistic egos, and that's about it.
In most of the cases, an open apology can do wonders. All former USSR states would perhaps be able to normalise their bitter and sour relations with Russia if Russia comes forward once and tenders its apology for the indiscretions committed. It's the same case for US relations with Latin American nations including Cuba, which can be normalised with just an apology from any one side, especially the US. In fact, a US formal apology for war on Iraq and Afghanistan can to a large extent contribute to the normalizing process between the Muslim and 'American' world (rather than 'Christian'). We dare say even Pakistan could become a good strategic partner for Bangladesh if Pakistan accepts Bangladesh's demand for an apology for the 1971 war. And if Pakistan were to apologize officially to India for 26/11, we can bet our intellectual caps that the whole of India would be ready to forgive Pakistan once and for all. The same goes for India-China relations, where the only damning factor is a quite trivial border issue (yes, the issue exists, but blown out of proportions) when there's so much trade to gain from each other.
Of course, an apology has to be followed up by similar behaviour over the subsequent time periods; failing which, an apology simply loses its innate power. But clearly, it works.
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Simple apologies can change the geopolitics of the world
The power of an apology is worth more than a billion dollars — money that otherwise is spent on wars. Unfortunately, allegations and counter-allegations are quite customary in international politics. Countries leave no stones unturned to blame their enemies or take revenge due to a bitter past. And how? By simply passing lewd remarks. With geopolitics becoming complicated, countries need simple solutions. And believe it or not, an apology can prove to be the simplest and most effective solution.
The best example of how an apology can refurbish a nation's image is Germany’s acceptance and formal apology for the Holocaust that killed about six million Jews. No one could have ever imagined the present level of normalcy and comfort between Germany and Israel. The apology (along with €45 billion which Germany paid as of 2007) has not only led to refurbishment of Germany’s image and dilution of sour feelings, but also has boosted the bilateral trade relations (Germany is Israel's second largest import partner). Similarly, Japan has apologised in the past to Burma, Australia, Korea and China on many occasions in order to restore normal relations. Naoto Kann, Japanese PM apologised on August'10, 2010, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of Japan's annexation of the Korean peninsula for his nation's role during their colonial rule. He said, “For the enormous damage and suffering caused by colonisation, I would like to express once again our deep regret and sincere apology.” Recently, North Korea offered to talk with South Korea on military issues (which the South has belatedly accepted after initial refusals). What stops these two nations from exchanging their fair share of apologies and getting on with more important worldly matters? Nationalistic egos, and that's about it.
In most of the cases, an open apology can do wonders. All former USSR states would perhaps be able to normalise their bitter and sour relations with Russia if Russia comes forward once and tenders its apology for the indiscretions committed. It's the same case for US relations with Latin American nations including Cuba, which can be normalised with just an apology from any one side, especially the US. In fact, a US formal apology for war on Iraq and Afghanistan can to a large extent contribute to the normalizing process between the Muslim and 'American' world (rather than 'Christian'). We dare say even Pakistan could become a good strategic partner for Bangladesh if Pakistan accepts Bangladesh's demand for an apology for the 1971 war. And if Pakistan were to apologize officially to India for 26/11, we can bet our intellectual caps that the whole of India would be ready to forgive Pakistan once and for all. The same goes for India-China relations, where the only damning factor is a quite trivial border issue (yes, the issue exists, but blown out of proportions) when there's so much trade to gain from each other.
Of course, an apology has to be followed up by similar behaviour over the subsequent time periods; failing which, an apology simply loses its innate power. But clearly, it works.
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Arindam Chaudhuri is Delhi franchise holder for i1 Super Series
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri Dean Business School IIPM
IIPM Excom Prof Rajita Chaudhuri
IIPM: What is E-PAT?
IIPM RANKED NO.1 in MAIL TODAY B-SCHOOL RANKINGS
'Thorns to Competition' - You can order your copy online from here
IIPM Mumbai Campus
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