Facing a “Difficult Heritage”

Abstract Baden-Württemberg has positioned itself as a leader in German efforts to recognize the colonial past and pursue reconciliation with Namibia. Restitution projects in the 2010s shaped the Namibia Initiative Baden-Württemberg. My analysis of Landtag documents reveals a gradual transformation of this debate about German colonial responsibility and adoption of calls for Aufarbeitung . State-level arguments reflected broader national and European discussions about restitution while emphasizing the influence of local initiatives. Following the 2019 restitution of Hendrik Witbooi's possessions, Baden-Württemberg's cultural ministry and most political parties embraced Aufarbeitung as part of future work at state institutions. This close examination of Baden-Württemberg's initiative could serve as a model for other German Länder as they work toward decolonizing their institutions.