Justice in Conflict

Kersten provides a compelling and perceptive examination of one of international criminal justices most difficult conundrums... It is remarkable, I think, that after having produced one of the most sophisticated recent studies on the debate, Kersten arrives at the following conclusion: there may never be a consensus regarding the effects of the ICC on peace, justice and conflict processes. * Christof Royer (University of St Andrews), International Affairs Book Reviews *
The book contains a remarkable 43-page bibliography that will be an asset in the hands of scholars, practitioners and policymakers in the areas of international criminal justice, conflict resolution and peace and conflict studies. This value is reinforced by the analytical index, the list of interviews and a series of tables summarizing the ICC interventions and the main arguments provided by the author. * Mabel González Bustelo, Global Policy *
Kersten's book is highly recommended reading for all those who are interested in the ICC, and indeed in international courts in general, and who wish to develop a clearer understanding of how the court functions in a political context. * Joanna Nicholson, Nordic Journal of Human Rights *
This outstanding book is one of very few sustained studies of the operation of the International Criminal Court and its role in international politics. Kersten makes two critical contributions to existing scholarship: a sophisticated and nuanced theorisation of the relationship between peace and justice, and an analysis of the ways in which the Office of the Prosecutor negotiates its own interests alongside the interests of States Parties and the UN Security Council, which have profound effects on target selection and therefore on the quality of justice delivered. Written in a clear and engaging style and based on extensive first-hand research, it will be invaluable to students, scholars and practitioners who want to understand why the ICC behaves as it does and what the impact of the Court is upon conflict, peace and international politics. * Kirsten Ainley, Assistant Professor of International Relations and Director of the Centre for International Studies,London School of Economics *
Based on extensive original research from the situations in Uganda and Libya where the ICC prosecutor pushed for justice at the same time political actors negotiated for peace, Mark Kersten shows that the pursuit of both objectives did not undermine the realistic prospect of achieving either. Justice in Conflict urges a "fact-based " rather than "faith-based " approach to peace and justice and should encourage the international prosecutor and diplomat to work in ways that will help rather than hinder their chances for mutual success. * Stephen J. Rapp, Former International Prosecutor and Former US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice *
Mark Kersten brilliantly moves forward the peace vs. justice debate by offering a nuanced and fine-grained analysis of the ICC's impact on conflict. Focusing on Uganda and Libya, he analyses how state and non-state actors seek to deploy the power of the ICC to legitimize their own goals and shape the conflict narrative. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the political and legal space that the ICC occupies and must navigate. * Alex Whiting, Professor of Practice,Harvard Law School *
Kerstens nuanced analysis depicts the ICC as a conflicted court acting in conflict zones. Through an engaging and accessible style, he convincingly shows that the implications of pursuing during-conflict justice are varied and fluid, rather than dichotomous and deterministic. With the rising chorus of calls for international criminal justice in various countries, ranging from Syria to Israel/Palestine to Colombia, Kersten urges readers to maintain a healthy skepticism when categorical, and often ideological, assertions are made regarding both the positive and negative effects of ICC interventions... Kersten offers a refreshing contribution to the growing literature on the politics of international criminal justice. * Sophie T. Rosenberg,Ethics & International Affairs *