| This thesis takes the Darfur conflict as a case study to examine the issue of whether and how the International Criminal Court (ICC) can play a more active role to halt mass atrocities. Due to the provisions of the Rome Statute and general international law, the ICC Prosecutor has the legal discretion and obligation to balance the positive and potentially negative outcomes of its actions on ongoing conflicts like the one in Darfur.;The ICC involvement has already had effects on the political situation in Sudan. However, these impacts could be more significant if key players of the conflict, including high officials of the Sudanese government, were targeted. While proceeding carefully and in the interests of the victims, the ICC can, together with the necessary political support of the international community, develop into an institution that furthers international peace and security by influencing ongoing conflicts. |
