International Criminal Law

The chapter argues that the arrest warrant issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin marks a historic turning point. Issued amid an ongoing conflict, this bold move signaled a shift in the practice of international criminal justice, yet it remains fraught with legal, political, and practical challenges. The warrant has already produced tangible effects, restricting Putin&s;s international travel, deepening his diplomatic isolation (as seen in his absence from the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa), and weakening Russia&s;s narrative about its actions in Ukraine. However, it also exposes the International Criminal Court (ICC) to potential backlash if enforcement proves impossible. Over time, evolving geopolitical dynamics and the prospect of peace negotiations may erode its impact, raising difficult questions about the feasibility and ethics of conducting a trial without the defendant present. Ultimately, this case highlights the need for consistency in international justice and the risks posed by perceptions of selectivity or politicization of the law.