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The International Criminal Court uses a prosecution-only…

“The International Criminal Court uses a prosecution-only approach. And by putting their fate in the hands of outsiders, countries are really dodging responsibility for actions taken in the name of that country, in the name of the people in that country, by the people of that country themselves…” quote by John Bolton
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“The International Criminal Court uses a prosecution-only approach. And by putting their fate in the hands of outsiders, countries are really dodging responsibility for actions taken in the name of that country, in the name of the people in that country, by the people of that country themselves. That is, I think, fundamentally the wrong direction to go in.”

John Bolton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Criticizes the ICC’s reliance on external prosecutions, arguing it shifts responsibility away from nations themselves.

In simple terms: External prosecutions let countries avoid responsibility.

Key Takeaway

Promote national accountability for international crimes.

Themes

justice sovereignty accountability

Mood

critical serious

Type

political legal

When to use this quote

  • war crimes tribunals
  • government policy
  • NGO advocacy

Key Concepts

international law political responsibility human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can international law hold nations accountable?
  • What alternatives exist to external prosecutions?
A Different Perspective

Sovereign immunity and political interests may limit effective enforcement.

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