The Legal Nature of International Responsibility for the Crime of Aggression

This article examines the evolving legal nature of international responsibility for the crime of aggression. Traditionally, the state was regarded as the sole subject of international law and thus solely responsible for acts of aggression. However, since the post-World War II tribunals in Nuremberg and Tokyo, individuals—particularly political and military leaders—have increasingly been held accountable for planning and executing acts of aggression. This shift has led to the emergence of a dual responsibility framework: one that holds both the state and the individual accountable under international law. The article explores the divergent legal opinions regarding the attribution of responsibility and ultimately supports the recognition of both state and individual liability for the crime of aggression.