Wisdom in fragments

A concept that has become prominent in recent discussions addressed to newspaper readers, media viewers, and radio listeners in the past seven weeks is 'proportionality'. This concept, while vital to have in mind in considering the lawfulness or otherwise of use of force in almost all armed conflicts, lacks a precise definition.

Prosecutor of Slobodan Milošević at the International Criminal Tribunal

The cumulative impact of these legal instruments indicates, perhaps unsurprisingly, that initiating war is rarely, if ever, lawful. However, responding to acts of war can be justified.

Prosecutor of Slobodan Milošević at the International Criminal Tribunal

Top leadership must take an active interest in projects. They should foster a culture where bad news is welcomed, not just good news. If a leader inadvertently suppresses bad news, it results in a dysfunctional governance structure.

Leading researcher on megaprojects, planning, and governance expert

The greatest risk often lies in people's biased perceptions of risk itself. The challenge is: how do you debias risk when everyone's perception of it is inherently biased?

Leading researcher on megaprojects, planning, and governance expert

They don't just dive into a project; they begin by exploring its purpose. This 'why' acts as a North Star, guiding every phase of the project. Having this North Star makes the process more efficient and significantly increases the likelihood of delivering the project effectively.

Leading researcher on megaprojects, planning, and governance expert

While optimism is essential and beneficial in many aspects of life, it can become a hindrance in the realm of large-scale, costly projects. Misplaced optimism in multi-billion-dollar investments is particularly problematic. It often signals impending financial shortfalls.

Leading researcher on megaprojects, planning, and governance expert

Only 8.5% of projects meet or exceed their time and budget expectations. This means that a staggering 91.5% fail to stay within budget or meet deadlines. However, when we consider delivering promised benefits, a mere 0.5% achieve this goal within the allocated budget and timeframe.

Leading researcher on megaprojects, planning, and governance expert

From my perspective, however, justice alone is insufficient for reconciliation. True reconciliation must originate within a society, involving both victims and perpetrators. Yet, accountability is an essential starting point, laying the groundwork for reconciliation efforts.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

Historically, conflicts typically ended with the major players negotiating peace agreements, often including amnesties. The more brutal and involved in crimes a party was, the more significant their role at the negotiation table. This approach changed after the Second World War with the Nuremberg trials.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

As a prosecutor, I recognize that our involvement typically begins when it's already too late: when prevention, humanity, and common sense have failed. Violence, whether in families, communities, or at an international level, signifies a failure of humanity.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

I firmly believe that a society cannot heal from the wounds of war without accountability for serious international crimes. How can a society move towards a shared future while fundamental disagreements about the past and about responsibility for past crimes persist?

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

In our sport, we're constantly wrestling, punching, kicking, often ending up with black eyes. It's this constant, intense physical contact that sets our sport apart, making the mental toughness required quite unique compared to others.

My biggest fear isn't the fight itself. I don't get nervous about the physical aspect of fighting. My nervousness stems from the fear of losing, not living up to my own expectations of victory in front of an audience.

My discipline lies in taking full responsibility; I don't blame anyone else. If I lose, it's on me to accept and address it. The very next day in the gym, I start working on what went wrong.

I firmly believe that a certain level of strength and mental discipline is a prerequisite to excel in this sport. It's a challenging path, requiring years to adapt to the physical impacts, injuries, stringent diets, and discipline. You either love it or you hate it, and those who love it, do it.

There have been times when I've been on the sidelines, dreading a gruelling running session, wondering why I'm doing this. But then I remember my teammates are all pushing through the same challenges. That collective effort helps me to buckle down and just get on with it.

England rugby player, flanker, Six Nations champion