Crime and Justice in Wartime Ukraine

Centered on Russia’s war against Ukraine, this edited collection examines how contemporary interstate war reshapes crime, criminal justice, and governance beyond the traditional focus on war crimes and international humanitarian law.

Bringing together leading scholars from criminology, criminal justice, law, sociology, political science, and related disciplines, the book advances new conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches to understanding crime and justice during armed conflict. It examines the evolving roles of state institutions, occupying authorities, organized crime groups, military personnel, veterans, and other wartime actors; the transformation of illicit economies and transnational criminal activity; the experiences and victimization of civilians and vulnerable populations; the destruction of cultural heritage and the environment; and the challenges facing criminal justice institutions in carrying out their mandates during ongoing conflict.

While grounded in the Ukrainian experience, the book sheds light on broader dynamics of institutional adaptation, accountability, and social order during armed conflict. It will be of interest to scholars and students of criminology, criminal justice, law, political science, sociology, security studies, and international relations, as well as policymakers and practitioners in justice, conflict, post-war recovery, and international security.