All the Missing Souls

Main Themes and Topics

All the Missing Souls by David Scheffer delves deeply into the historical and political processes involved in establishing modern war crimes tribunals. The book focuses on the prosecution of crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Scheffer provides an insider's view of the drive for international justice, detailing his missions related to the Balkans, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, and the creation of the International Criminal Court. A key theme is the challenges faced by international diplomacy, especially how U.S. policies and perspectives sometimes hindered progress on global humanitarian issues. Scheffer also reflects on the limitations and struggles within the broader quest for accountability and justice in the international arena.

Writing Style and Tone

Scheffer's writing is both gripping and informative, as he combines a narrative style with intricate details of diplomatic negotiations and political maneuvering. The tone is candid and at times critical, providing an unvarnished look at the successes and failures of international efforts to enforce justice. His vivid descriptions bring to life not only the events but also the personal and professional pressures faced by those involved in these complex matters. Scheffer's firsthand perspective offers a dramatic and enlightening insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of international diplomacy.

Brief Summary

All the Missing Souls offers an insider's account of the efforts spearheaded by David Scheffer, then U.S. ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues, to establish war crimes tribunals in response to conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Cambodia. The book details how these tribunals were conceived and implemented, highlighting the immense challenges and political obstacles that faced policymakers and diplomats. It also provides insight into the creation of the International Criminal Court and the tensions between national interests and international justice, painting a comprehensive picture of the pursuit of accountability for some of the most horrific crimes in recent history.