The International Association for Reconciliation Studies (IARS) hosts a conference in a different part of the world each year—rotating between Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa—to promote global inclusivity and dialogue.

Reconciliation Studies is a relatively young research paradigm that emerged from the experiences of “transitional” societies such as South Africa and Rwanda. It is distinct from classical peace and conflict research: while conventional peace approaches often emphasize structural and institutional dimensions, Reconciliation Studies focuses on the relational, emotional, and cognitive aspects of conflict prevention, transformation, and resolution—without neglecting structural or systemic factors.

From this perspective, reconciliation asks how normal and, if possible, good relations can be (re)established within a society at all levels—intrapersonal, interpersonal, intercollective, and institutional—taking into account both top-down and bottom-up processes.

Reconciliation is not only a private or interpersonal matter. It also requires policies of reconciliation: truth-telling and accountability; justice and reparations; truth and reconciliation commissions; victim–perpetrator dialogue; and the creation of public spaces for memory and social healing. Truth and justice—especially restorative justice—are central components of Reconciliation Studies, integrating the needs of victims, perpetrators, and broader societies.

IARS conferences provide an inclusive space where case studies, theories, models, and conceptual frameworks of reconciliation are brought into dialogue with contemporary global issues such as social justice, ecological sustainability, migration, refugee experiences, and memory studies.

The conference is genuinely inter- and transdisciplinary, drawing from psychology, philosophy, education, sociology, economics, law, political science, history, regional studies, communication studies, art, and theology.