How to make former aggressors repent through shaming and praising: the case of Sino-Japanese relations

Abstract

The past wrongdoings of states have received increased attention in recent years, resulting in calls for contrition and apologies. Most commentary has provided policy advice primarily on how former aggressors should handle such " history problems " . The present article, by contrast, draws on insights from research on recognition and ontological security to construct a framework for how external actors can use shaming and praising to influence the ways in which former aggressors deal with the past. The framework is illustrated in a brief case study of Sino-Japanese relations. Three main policy prescriptions are presented: (1) denial of the former aggressor's identity should be avoided; (2) shaming should instead take the form of suggesting that the former aggressor's behaviour is not in accordance with its self-identity; and (3) such shaming is likely to be more successful if it is accompanied by praise for the target.