Month/Year of Graduation
5-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Lana Obradovic
Abstract
In the aftermath of mass atrocities, international courts have emerged as key mechanisms for delivering justice and fostering post-conflict reconciliation. Rooted in the precedent set by the Nuremberg Trials after World War II, these institutions aim to prosecute crimes that often go beyond national legal systems. However, their effectiveness remains contested, largely due to their dependence on state cooperation and the complexity of post-conflict environments. This project examines the societal impact of international courts in two significant cases – Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. Through a comparative analysis of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the study evaluates how international courts have shaped national narratives, influenced reconciliation efforts, and contributed to long-term stability or a lack thereof. This research highlights the potential of international courts, as well as their limitations, not only as legal instruments but also as agents of societal transformation.
Recommended Citation
Connely, Garrett, "The Effectiveness of International Courts in Contributing to Rebuilding and Resolving Conflicts in Societies Post-Genocide" (2025). Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects. 366.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/university_honors_program/366
Included in
Holocaust and Genocide Studies Commons, International and Area Studies Commons, International Humanitarian Law Commons, International Law Commons, International Relations Commons