The United States has long prided itself on its support for the principle that those responsible for mass atrocities should be held to account, spearheading efforts to investigate and prosecute perpetrators from Nuremberg to former Yugoslavia to Rwanda and elsewhere. But there has been considerable controversy within parts of the American body politic about the particular institution of the International Criminal Court. In a variety of ways, the ICC finds itself at something of a crossroads amidst criticism that it has unfairly targeted African states, leading some to consider withdrawing from the Rome Statute.
From the U.S. perspective, the pending investigation of the situation in Palestine and the situation in Afghanistan entails the possibility of future cases for detainee abuse by U.S. personnel in the 2000’s, along with the change in Administration, have brought to the fore the conversation about U.S. engagement with the Court and raised significant questions about any future relationship. This panel will discuss some of the key questions associated with the Court and its relationship with the U.S. Government. Panelists will attempt to assess what the future may hold for both, and how the U.S. Government will pursue (or support others in the pursuit of) accountability in the period that lies ahead.
PANELISTS:
- John Bellinger, Arnold & Porter LLP
- Todd Buchwald, Woodrow Wilson Center (Moderator)
- Jane Stromseth, Georgetown University Law Center
- Susana SáCouto, American University Washington College of Law
This event is part of the Society’s Signature Topic on “Atrocity Prevention: The Role of International Law and Justice.” Find out more at www.asil.org/topics.