Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Five years ago human rights activists pointed with pride at the near extradition of former Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet, seeing it as representing a new model of international criminal justice based on human rights. The most important word in that sentence, however, is “near.” In fact, the Pinochet case is a good example of “big talk, little action,” in which the realities of international politics continue to undermine efforts to secure justice against state criminals. More nations will need to follow Spain’s lead in exercising universal jurisdiction, others will have to find the courage the U.K. lacked in the Pinochet extradition proceeding, and the powers of the International Criminal Court will have to be used more agressively if international criminal justice is going to become more than a post-cold war romantic dream.