NATO as an International Organization: Ten Brief Observations

As NATO celebrates the 70th anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, the NATO legal community reflects on ten observations. These observations serve as a reminder of the contributions of NATO in the past, as well as the development of the NATO community as it continues on into the present. The ten observations address new perspectives and fundamental changes in regards to the international relationships both created and strengthened by the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty. The ten observations go on to discuss the following: an outward looking legal community; the law pertaining to international organizations; a new important perspective; fundamental changes as a defense organization; common changes not unique to NATO; common characteristics to international organizations; external relations between international organizations; arising legal issues and challenges; immunity granted to international organizations; and the accountability of international organizations

A Consensus Agreement on the Crime of Aggression: Impressions from Kampala

The authors participated in the ICC Review Conference held in Kampala in June 2010, which adopted by consensus a package agreement on the crime of aggression. This contribution presents some impressions from these negotiations. It was rather unexpected that consensus agreement could be reached, and the authors offer some explanations why this was possible. They also analyse the key elements of the agreement. After the international criminalization of aggression has been debated for decades, a decisive step has now been taken towards bringing this crime within the effective jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court