Duterte at the International Criminal Court: Global Implications

Anyone concerned by the rise of disinformation-spreading, human rights-violating authoritarian yet elected leaders across the world should reflect on what the arrest and detention at the International Criminal Court of ex-Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte signals. Does it signal that justice is finally being served for the tens of thousands of poor Filipinos killed in Duterte’s drug war? Does it mean that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose corrupt family came back to power through massive disinformation and an alliance with the Duterte dynasty, is now on the side of truth and accountability – while keeping the billions they stole? The Duterte case should also prompt reflection regarding the ICC’s future and the prospects for transitional justice in countries going through or emerging from war, political violence, or dictatorship. The Court has learned lessons from its role in promising as well as failed transitions in Colombia, Kenya, and Sudan. It has widened its docket. It has opened cases beyond African and Arab countries. It has issued warrants of arrest against Israeli leaders. But it is also facing an existential threat from the United States and Israel — including threats from Benjamin Netanyahu coursed through Duterte’s lawyer at the Court. This discussion will reflect on how hopeful and how cynical Filipinos and non-Filipinos on the side of justice and accountability ought to be when [or if] Duterte is finally tried for crimes against humanity at the ICC.

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Faculty Conference Room (1D02), First Floor, Georgetown University in Qatar