Deterrence is an attainable goal for the ICC only to the extent of its power and reputation as legitimate enforcer of law and punishment. The ICC's ability to deter mass atrocities solely through its existence will thus rely upon fundamental first steps that include the following: strengthening ties with the UNSC, increasing the number of signatories to the Rome statute, apprehending suspects and trying them efficiently. Although these measures have proven difficult to accomplish thus far, they should remain the short-term focus of the organization; deterrence should result as a natural by-product of its recognition as an entity of significant threat. Therefore, the ICC should in the present focus its efforts on establishing itself in the manner aforementioned while keeping an eye on the horizon, deterrence existing as the end goal, the final destination.
James D. Fearon
Professor of Political Science, Stanford University
Comment on the Deterrence Lecture Question: “To what extent is the deterrence of mass atrocities an attainable goal of the ICC?”
Deterrence is an attainable goal for the ICC only to the extent of its power and reputation as legitimate enforcer of law and punishment. The ICC's ability to deter mass atrocities solely through its existence will thus rely upon fundamental first steps that include the following: strengthening ties with the UNSC, increasing the number of signatories to the Rome statute, apprehending suspects and trying them efficiently. Although these measures have proven difficult to accomplish thus far, they should remain the short-term focus of the organization; deterrence should result as a natural by-product of its recognition as an entity of significant threat. Therefore, the ICC should in the present focus its efforts on establishing itself in the manner aforementioned while keeping an eye on the horizon, deterrence existing as the end goal, the final destination.