A.L. Smeulers

Prof. A.L. Smeulers is a Professor of International Crimes at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Law, specializing in Effective Criminal Law. She holds leadership roles, including Chair of the board of Impact – Centre Against Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence in Conflict, and is a speaker for ZijSpreekt and the Journal of Perpetrator Research’s Advisory Board. Her research focuses on perpetrators of mass atrocities, international criminal law, and the intersection of criminology with legal frameworks. Smeulers has authored influential works like Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities: Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal? (2024) and co-hosts the podcast Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal? analyzing perpetrators of international crimes. She lectures globally on topics such as authoritarianism, human rights, and war crimes prevention. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges law, psychology, and history to understand motivations behind atrocities and inform legal responses.

Teaching includes courses on international crimes and criminology at both undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing multidisciplinary perspectives. Her work addresses contemporary challenges like the rise of authoritarian leaders and the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for international legal accountability. Media engagements include public lectures at venues like Paradiso Amsterdam and expert commentary on issues such as Gaza and ICC sanctions.

Research collaborations span global institutions, and her publications explore themes such as drone warfare’s psychological impact, historical perpetrator analysis (e.g., Ilse Koch), and the ICC’s criminological foundations. Ancillary activities include editorial roles at journals like Journal of Genocide Research and contributions to policy discussions on conflict-related security challenges.