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The Pitfalls of Universal Jurisdiction

By Henry A. Kissinger
July/August 2001
Article Summary and Author Biography

The passions aroused by the attempt to extradite Augusto Pinochet highlight the many unresolved issues in the movement to enforce global justice. Widespread agreement that human rights violations and crimes against humanity must be prosecuted has hindered active consideration of the proper role of international courts. Universal jurisdiction risks creating universal tyranny -- that of judges.

Henry A. Kissinger, Chairman of Kissinger Associates, Inc., is a former Secretary of State and National Security Adviser. This essay is adapted from his latest book, Does America Need a Foreign Policy? Toward a Diplomacy for the 21st Century.

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