After taking this course, what is your view on the role of international criminal proceedings in
contributing to local peacebuilding? Please explain your answer.
International criminal proceedings contribute to local peacebuilding effectively.
1. (Accountability and deterrence) International criminal proceedings can play a significant
role in promoting local peacebuilding by holding perpetrators accountable for serious
crimes and deterring future violence.
Kantian/liberal worldview considers Kantian/Liberal peace justice to be primary and part of global
order
→ Amnesty international: “International justice means ensuring accountability for some of the
most serious crimes”
Eg The establishment of international courts like the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
(ICTR), and the International Criminal Court (ICC) aims to end impunity and prevent crimes
against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and torture.
2. (Encouraging peace negotiations) The ICC's involvement, specifically the issuing of arrest
warrants, has been credited with acting as a catalyst for peace negotiations by exerting
pressure on conflicting parties.
The ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for LRA commanders in 2006 is considered to have
contributed to the subsequent Juba Peace Talks. The threat of prosecution can create an incentive
for rebel leaders to engage in negotiations, potentially leading to a cessation of hostilities.
3. (Reinforcing global norms) By addressing severe crimes that have international
implications and threaten world peace, international courts help to reinforce global norms
of justice and accountability.
By addressing crimes that transcend national borders, international courts contribute to a shared
understanding of what constitutes acceptable behaviour in conflict situations.
Additionally, crimes like genocide and crimes against humanity affect everyone and threaten world
peace, justifying the involvement of international courts.
4. (Victim recognition) The pursuit of justice through international criminal proceedings can
help to restore victims' dignity and provide a sense of closure, which can be essential for
reconciliation and healing.
Particularly important in contexts where victims may feel marginalised or silenced, as their
experiences are brought to light on an international stage → this recognition can contribute to
their healing and potential reconciliation.
Other factors are more relevant in local peacebuilding than international criminal proceedings.
Note: while international criminal proceedings can contribute to local peacebuilding, their
effectiveness is often contingent on other factors and can even be hindered by certain dynamics.
1. (Divergent conceptions of justice) The focus on retributive justice through criminal trials
may not always align with local conceptions of justice and reconciliation.
contributing to local peacebuilding? Please explain your answer.
International criminal proceedings contribute to local peacebuilding effectively.
1. (Accountability and deterrence) International criminal proceedings can play a significant
role in promoting local peacebuilding by holding perpetrators accountable for serious
crimes and deterring future violence.
Kantian/liberal worldview considers Kantian/Liberal peace justice to be primary and part of global
order
→ Amnesty international: “International justice means ensuring accountability for some of the
most serious crimes”
Eg The establishment of international courts like the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
(ICTR), and the International Criminal Court (ICC) aims to end impunity and prevent crimes
against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and torture.
2. (Encouraging peace negotiations) The ICC's involvement, specifically the issuing of arrest
warrants, has been credited with acting as a catalyst for peace negotiations by exerting
pressure on conflicting parties.
The ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for LRA commanders in 2006 is considered to have
contributed to the subsequent Juba Peace Talks. The threat of prosecution can create an incentive
for rebel leaders to engage in negotiations, potentially leading to a cessation of hostilities.
3. (Reinforcing global norms) By addressing severe crimes that have international
implications and threaten world peace, international courts help to reinforce global norms
of justice and accountability.
By addressing crimes that transcend national borders, international courts contribute to a shared
understanding of what constitutes acceptable behaviour in conflict situations.
Additionally, crimes like genocide and crimes against humanity affect everyone and threaten world
peace, justifying the involvement of international courts.
4. (Victim recognition) The pursuit of justice through international criminal proceedings can
help to restore victims' dignity and provide a sense of closure, which can be essential for
reconciliation and healing.
Particularly important in contexts where victims may feel marginalised or silenced, as their
experiences are brought to light on an international stage → this recognition can contribute to
their healing and potential reconciliation.
Other factors are more relevant in local peacebuilding than international criminal proceedings.
Note: while international criminal proceedings can contribute to local peacebuilding, their
effectiveness is often contingent on other factors and can even be hindered by certain dynamics.
1. (Divergent conceptions of justice) The focus on retributive justice through criminal trials
may not always align with local conceptions of justice and reconciliation.
