Genocide and Child Soldiers: NC State Expert Tackles Law Enforcement Agency Tasked with Addressing War Crimes

As allegations of genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan garner increasing public scrutiny, North Carolina State University’s Dr. Michael Struett is publishing a new book that examines the international law enforcement agency tasked with investigating and prosecuting those claims and other alleged crimes against humanity around the world. Struett also examines the United States’ efforts to derail the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the dilemma that poses for a nation that has been a champion for human rights.

Since its inception in 2002 the ICC has had jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. However, its first cases are only now coming to trial – including charges related to child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The ICC is also in the midst of an ongoing investigation into claims of genocide and other war crimes in Sudan, and issued two warrants for the arrest of high-ranking Sudanese officials last year.

Struett, an assistant professor of political science at NC State, can address the workings of the ICC and discuss the status of active investigations and judicial proceedings related to the conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

Struett’s book, The Politics of Constructing the International Criminal Court, explores the evolution of the court – including how the ICC came into being despite opposition from the United States. Struett also explores why the United States has still not ratified the treaty creating the ICC, and whether that decision has implications for the country’s global standing on issues related to liberty and human rights.

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