The International Criminal Court and Türkiye

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with becoming a member of the ICC, using Turkey as a case study to explore broader issues relevant to other states that have not yet joined the Court. The establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a landmark development in the field of international criminal law, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of global justice. Having gained the recognition of 125 states, the ICC stands as the world’s first and only permanent international tribunal capable of trying individuals for the gravest crimes of international concern. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with becoming a member of the ICC, using Türkiye as a case study to explore broader issues relevant to other states that have not yet joined the Court. It argues that the concerns behind Türkiye’s reluctance to sign the founding treaty of the ICC are not substantial enough to justify avoiding the Court’s jurisdiction and that non-accession does not guarantee immunity from ICC oversight. While primarily focused on Türkiye, the book offers insights that could inform the decisions of other non-signatory states, particularly those with similar reservations about the Court. It demonstrates that the advantages Türkiye stands to gain by joining the ICC are largely applicable to other non-signatory states as well. Through this analysis, the book underscores the ICC's critical role as a global institution and its invaluable contribution to advancing international criminal justice. Presenting a valuable overview of the world’s first and only permanent international criminal court, the work will be a valuable resource for academics, researchers and policymakers working in the fields of International Law and International Relations.