Corporate involvement in atrocity crimes—trends and patterns in regulation

Abstract

Corporate involvement in atrocity crimes refers to instances in which businesses are linked to the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, or other gross human rights violations. This article traces four trends in the regulation of this phenomenon, from the 1600 s to the present. I argue that the persuasive trend of no regulation of this type of corporate wrongdoing has seen three countertrends: international criminal justice, civil society labelling corporate involvement in atrocity crimes as something worth engaging with, and institutionalization of norms. This article describes and analyses these trends, uncovering some recurring patterns that emerge in efforts towards preventing, ending, or limiting corporate involvement in atrocity crimes.