Intergroup apologies can make relations worse without preexisting trust.

Evidence

Whenappliedtothearenaofintergrouprelations,thesefindingssuggest that an apology by a representative of an adversarial outgroup is likely to precipitate a reduction in intergroup conflict, but that this will only occur if there is a preexisting level of trust in the outgroup. When the outgroup is mistrusted, the victim is likely to view the apology as disingenuous and potentially manipulative. This, in turn, may make relations between the two groups worse than if an apology had not been made. — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt, 1487

Categorization

• XREF: Pays off the earlier claim that apologies only partially restore equity and can leave privilege intact, and converses with the standing assumption that public apology is a safe good. — connects to: Group apologies create shared ground for discussing negative history — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 1111; Distrusting adversaries should build trust before attempting past-focused apologies. — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 1523; Perceived insincere apologies backfire while unequivocal ones can advance peace. — Scott Atran, The Devoted Actor: Unconditional…, 42 (+7 more)
• recurring: this claim recurs 2 times within its source

Broader Connections

• Perceived insincere apologies backfire while unequivocal ones can advance peace. #qualifies (0.85) — Scott Atran, The Devoted Actor, 42
• Active conflict makes apologies self-defeating for those who offer them. #qualifies (0.78) — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt, 1547
• Damaged intergroup trust can be repaired through apologies, reparations, and structural fixes. #contradicts (0.75)
• Destroying state confidence causally reduces interpersonal trust and cooperation. #corroborates (0.75) — Russell Hardin, Trust and Trustworthiness, 492
• Institutional apologies can deploy advantageous comparison to self-cast as victims #exemplifies (0.72)