Commentaries by David M. Crane

Member states of the United Nations are bound by the rule of law, both within their borders and in their interactions on the global stage. This legal framework includes international humanitarian law, which aims to protect civilians during times of armed conflict. Israel, as a member state, has an obligation under the Fourth Geneva Convention [...]

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The recent defense agreement between North Korea and Russia, pledging mutual defense and assistance, signals a disturbing shift in the global geopolitical landscape. This pact, building on an increasingly visible camaraderie between these authoritarian regimes, raises the specter of a new axis of dictatorships. With China, Iran, and Belarus already exhibiting varying degrees of alignment [...]

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Time is of the essence when it comes to creating a court or tribunal dedicated to adjudicating Russian aggression against Ukraine. And while much consideration has already been given to the creation of a UN General Assembly-backed tribunal, the preferred option in my opinion, I would suggest the time has come to expand our consideration [...]

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Indeed, the geopolitical landscape is complex, especially when discussing Iran’s involvement in various global issues. Central to these concerns are allegations of Iran’s support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, its perceived stance on Israel, and its role as a destabilizing force in the Middle East. Firstly, Iran’s relationship with Russia has raised apprehensions, particularly regarding [...]

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Editor’s note on historical context: On Sept. 30, 1938, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain signed the Munich Agreement with Germany, France and Italy, which allowed Berlin to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. Upon his return, Chamberlain said of the agreement: “…for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from [...]

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The world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by strongman leaders who prioritize their own power and interests over global stability and cooperation. This essay explores the notion that the age of the strongman remains as threatening as ever. However, it argues that countering this threat requires upholding the rule of law rather than [...]

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Continued attacks on civilians and civilian objects by the armed forces of the Russian Federation violate international law and basic human decency. Over the past centuries, mankind has attempted to govern conduct on the battlefield in the hope that those found on the battlefield, such as the wounded and sick, prisoners of war, and civilians, [...]

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In the harrowing days of 1945, the world lay bleeding and breathless after years of all out war. It was a time of uncertainty regarding what happens next. Could mankind survive another world war?  What was the pathway towards a more stable world, a world that would turn to dialog and discussion versus recrimination and [...]

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A widespread or systematic attack directed against civilians is a crime against humanity—a crime against us all. The jurisprudence around the creation of this international crime began early in the 20th century and evolved through the International Military Tribunals at Nuremberg and Tokyo, and into the modern era during what is called the Age of [...]

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One year after the day Russia invaded Ukraine, Moscow’s aggression continues. The International Criminal Court, various nations, and advocacy groups from around the globe are investigating a flurry of international crimes attributed to the Kremlin. The list of crimes committed by the armed forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine is staggering. Over time, the [...]

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