Talking about War Crimes: War Crimes Discourse and Strategy
Talking about War Crimes: War Crimes Discourse and Strategy
Author(s): Madoka FutamuraSubject(s): International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Security and defense, Studies in violence and power, Peace and Conflict Studies, Russian Aggression against Ukraine
Published by: NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Keywords: war crimes; legitimacy; ICC; Ukraine; international humanitarian law; accountability; strategic communication; strategic communications;
Summary/Abstract: One of the characteristics of the current war in Ukraine is the intensity of talks and practices regarding war crimes and accountability. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, both Ukraine and Russia have consistently claimed that the other side has been conducting inhumane war crimes while seeking accountability, domestically and internationally. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened investigations into the situation in Ukraine. Various international and civil society actors have been actively investigating alleged war crimes, pursuing accountability mechanisms. At the same time, concerns that war crimes prosecution during conflicts may hinder the peace are persistent. And the prospect of prosecution and actual trial of Russia’s ‘big fish’ is full of uncertainty.
Journal: Defence Strategic Communications
- Issue Year: 12/2023
- Issue No: 12
- Page Range: 135-164
- Page Count: 30
- Language: English
