This work tracks two dynamics: the evolution of genocide into an international crime and the erosion of sovereign immunity as a defense to prosecution. Both dynamics meet in the trials of Slobodan Milosevic for the Bosnian genocide at Srebrenica and Saddam Hussein for the Kurdish and Marsh Arab genocides. While one despot meets his fate before an international tribunal, the other will face justice before a domestic court of his own countrymen. Neither can hide behind the shield of sovereignty - dictators now have nowhere to hide.
"How do you grasp the essential characteristics of the crime of genocide and understand how heads of state like Slobodan Milosevic and Saddam Hussein can stand trial on charges of perpetrating this heinous crime? Read Michael J. Kelly's book, 'Nowhere to Hide'. With an engaging writing style for students and the general public alike, Kelly explores the history of genocide and the contemporary enforcement of international law to prosecute leaders charged with masterminding criminal assaults on national, ethnic, religious, or racial groups in society. Whether the centuries-old defense of sovereign immunity can shield such leaders is one of Kelly's primary targets of inquiry." (David Scheffer, former U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues (1997-2001))