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The Conversation
The Conversation
Politics
Victor Peskin, Associate professor of politics and global studies, Arizona State University

International courts prosecuting leaders like Putin for war crimes have a mixed record – but offer clues on how to get a conviction

A sign reading 'Putin, murderer' is shown during a protest in Krakow, Poland, on May 8, 2022. Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images

There have been mounting calls from Ukrainian and other activists and political leaders to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes in Ukraine, including authorizing attacks on civilians. There has also been public skepticism that this could actually happen.

History provides some lessons on charging political leaders with war crimes – a legal term that includes attacking and killing civilians during war.

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