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The FUTURES Series
The Future of War Crimes Justice
From Russia to The Democratic Republic of Congo to Myanmar, Chris Stephen ponders the future of prosecuting war criminals who think themselves untouchable in this timely new book, part of Melville House FUTURES series.
We are all too familiar with the horrors of war. Throughout history, rules have been laid down to govern the conduct of war, with varying success. Today, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands is the world's first permanent war crimes court, but since it opened in 2002, it has jailed just 4 people. So what has gone wrong?
Journalist and ex war-correspondent Chris Stephen takes a look at the colorful history of how war law was devised, asking complicated and important questions such
Today, membership of the ICC is voluntary. Of the UN’s 193 member states, 123 are in the ICC. But most of the world’s war crimes are committed by the other 70. Simply put, governments that commit war crimes don’t join the ICC – like Russia, for example.
How then, do we go after war criminals? Follow the money, argues Stephen, and go after the banks and corporations that enable warlords. It worked for Al Capone, who, famously, was jailed not for his many killings, but for not paying his taxes. It was the same for years were spent gathering records, so judges could be shown he pulled the financial strings.
Corporations and banks, span the world. Democracies and dictators both rely on them. The future of war crime courts demand they hit all the enablers, whether they wear battle fatigues or three-piece suits.
We are all too familiar with the horrors of war. Throughout history, rules have been laid down to govern the conduct of war, with varying success. Today, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands is the world's first permanent war crimes court, but since it opened in 2002, it has jailed just 4 people. So what has gone wrong?
Journalist and ex war-correspondent Chris Stephen takes a look at the colorful history of how war law was devised, asking complicated and important questions such
Today, membership of the ICC is voluntary. Of the UN’s 193 member states, 123 are in the ICC. But most of the world’s war crimes are committed by the other 70. Simply put, governments that commit war crimes don’t join the ICC – like Russia, for example.
How then, do we go after war criminals? Follow the money, argues Stephen, and go after the banks and corporations that enable warlords. It worked for Al Capone, who, famously, was jailed not for his many killings, but for not paying his taxes. It was the same for years were spent gathering records, so judges could be shown he pulled the financial strings.
Corporations and banks, span the world. Democracies and dictators both rely on them. The future of war crime courts demand they hit all the enablers, whether they wear battle fatigues or three-piece suits.
144 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 17, 2025
Remarkably approachable and consumable, it walks at a brisk pace and lays bare the grim fate of our international institutions designed to prosecute the worst criminals. Of particular interest are the suggestions to prosecute international organisations and corporations as a way of avoiding the inevitable UN and constitutional roadblocks - “follow the money.”
I studied international law at law school and I enjoyed this book, it serves as a fantastic starting point for anyone who is curious to know more.
I studied international law at law school and I enjoyed this book, it serves as a fantastic starting point for anyone who is curious to know more.
July 27, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this. Perfect introduction to international law and introduces the much debated skepticism of the function of the ICC. Bought this with Nimaye at the National Theatre book shop in Southwark and read this during my morning commutes to uni.
I read this book mainly on the tube. It fit perfectly in my handbag.
I read this book mainly on the tube. It fit perfectly in my handbag.
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June 9, 2024very informative but ultimately very depressing lol
i liked the line where he said the ICC is the spurned lover of the UN, always trying to get them back
i liked the line where he said the ICC is the spurned lover of the UN, always trying to get them back
February 28, 2024
The Future of War Crimes Justice is a fascinating book that offers a compelling exploration into the operations of institutions such as the ICC (The International Criminal Court) and many other global courts. The book serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to grasp the complexities of war justice by providing them with facts and historical information. I was really astonished at how much money the ICC has spent in the last twenty years, and for so little gain.
Now, I will admit the law is something I’m interested in, I studied it at A Level, so this book might appeal to me a little more than someone who has no real interest in the subject. However, I think the contents of the book are something everyone should learn about and understand.
Author Chris Stephens has used his experience as a journalist and war correspondent to write this book with the average Joe in mind. He has not used big, fancy words or long descriptions in his writing so that it is easy to understand for everyone.
The Future of War Crimes Justice is a small book but boy it packs a lot in. From looking at how war crimes laws were put into place, to events that are happening today this book covers them all. I loved the read. I was intrigued by it and I learnt so much along the way.
The book is part of Melville House UK’s new FUTURES series which currently has another three books in the series and more to follow later this year.
Now, I will admit the law is something I’m interested in, I studied it at A Level, so this book might appeal to me a little more than someone who has no real interest in the subject. However, I think the contents of the book are something everyone should learn about and understand.
Author Chris Stephens has used his experience as a journalist and war correspondent to write this book with the average Joe in mind. He has not used big, fancy words or long descriptions in his writing so that it is easy to understand for everyone.
The Future of War Crimes Justice is a small book but boy it packs a lot in. From looking at how war crimes laws were put into place, to events that are happening today this book covers them all. I loved the read. I was intrigued by it and I learnt so much along the way.
The book is part of Melville House UK’s new FUTURES series which currently has another three books in the series and more to follow later this year.
September 21, 2024
“They came to think that there is such thing as the born fanatic”
October 2, 2024
This book managed to make me feel both optimistic and despairing - more than any other legal reading I’ve done, which usually just puts me to sleep.
March 22, 2025
Excellent book - I highly recommend reading.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews