From the Nuremberg Trials to the ICC, the evolution of legal frameworks for war crimes
David Bosco, executive associate dean at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, was featured on NPR’s May 22, 2025 Throughline podcast on war crimes. A leading expert in international law and global justice, Bosco provided insights into the evolving role of international courts in prosecuting war crimes.As the author of Rough Justice: The International Criminal Court in a World of Power Politics, Bosco explained the foundational principles behind war crimes, the challenges of enforcement, and the political tensions that shape international accountability. He discussed the historical development of legal frameworks—from the Lieber Code and Nuremberg Trials to the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC)—and reflected on the ICC’s current investigations, including those involving powerful nations like Russia, Israel, and the United States.
Bosco emphasized the complex interplay between legal ideals and geopolitical realities, noting that while international justice faces setbacks and criticism, it remains a vital mechanism for upholding human rights and constraining the horrors of war.
To listen to the full episode and learn more about these critical issues, visit NPR’s Throughline.