

Philippe Sands
Lawyer and author specialising in international law and human-rights issues, known for books such as East West Street and The Rat Line and for expertise on the legal legacy of the Nuremberg trials.
Top 10 podcasts with Philippe Sands
Ranked by the Snipd community

32 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 47min
The Nazis’ crimes laid bare
Philippe Sands, a writer and international law expert, delves into the Nuremberg Trials' harrowing moments. He vividly recounts Robert Jackson's powerful opening speech, establishing justice over vengeance. Sands shares insights into the courtroom's intimate setup and the chilling impact of concentration camp film screenings on both defendants and attendees. He also discusses common defenses, like ignorance, and the trial's evolving dynamics amidst early Cold War tensions. With personal anecdotes and a rich archival legacy, Sands brings this pivotal historical event to life.

18 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 38min
Did the Nazis get a fair trial?
Philippe Sands, a lawyer and author with expertise in international law and wartime history, discusses the Nuremberg trials' verdicts and their global impact. He delves into the varied reactions of defendants, including Göring's dramatic suicide. Sands highlights the challenges of achieving justice in a politically charged atmosphere, noting the trials' incomplete narratives about Allied actions. He assesses Nuremberg's legacy as a controversial but crucial step towards modern international law, raising questions about fairness and morality in the pursuit of justice.

18 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 46min
How the Nazis Escaped Germany
Philippe Sands, a British-French lawyer and author, dives into the dark world of Nazi escapes after World War II. He highlights the notorious 'ratlines'—escape routes facilitated by the Catholic Church that led war criminals to South America. Through the chilling story of SS officer Walter Rauff, Sands reveals how these figures evaded justice and later re-emerged in regimes like Pinochet’s Chile. The conversation also probes the moral complexities of seeking justice for atrocities and the ongoing legacy of these historical connections.

16 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 42min
What should we do with the Nazis? The road to the Nuremberg Trials
Philippe Sands, an international lawyer and author, dives into the groundbreaking Nuremberg Trials—history's first international criminal trial. He discusses the urgent need for justice following World War II and the innovative legal concepts that emerged, like crimes against humanity and genocide. Sands recounts the challenges in drafting the Nuremberg Statute, the pivotal roles of individuals like Raphael Lemkin, and the symbolism behind choosing Nuremberg as the trial site. The conversation highlights the monumental shift in international law birthed from this historic event.

13 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 47min
A Nazi in Chile: did an SS commander work for Pinochet?
Philippe Sands, a renowned author and lawyer focused on international law and human rights, dives deep into the unsettling connections between Chile’s dictator Augusto Pinochet and Nazi SS commander Walter Rauff. He recounts Pinochet's dramatic 1998 arrest in London and its implications for international justice. The discussion reveals the ethical dilemmas surrounding legal defenses in human rights cases, explores the chilling legacy of Colonia Dignitat, and examines the persistent themes of immunity and accountability in the wake of atrocities.

10 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 37min
“You can’t kill and maim with impunity”: the powerful legacy of Nuremberg
Philippe Sands, a prominent lawyer and author specializing in international law, delves into the legacy of the Nuremberg Trials. He discusses how these historic proceedings shaped international justice and examines ongoing challenges, including contemporary conflicts and the ICC's role. The conversation touches on the evolution of genocide laws, command responsibility, and the call for ecocide to be recognized as a crime. Sands emphasizes the enduring significance of Nuremberg in combating impunity for war crimes today.

8 snips
May 9, 2025 • 55min
Philippe Sands: Der Anwalt, der Palästina vertritt - #1389
Philippe Sands, ein angesehener Menschenrechtsanwalt und Professor, diskutiert seine Arbeit zur Vertretung Palästinas vor internationalen Gerichten und die rechtlichen Hürden im Kampf gegen Aggressionskriege. Er fordert die Schaffung eines Sondertribunals für das Verbrechen der Aggression, besonders im Hinblick auf die Ukraine. Sands spricht auch über sein neues Buch, das die Gräueltaten von Augusto Pinochet thematisiert, und reflektiert über die Rolle der internationalen Gemeinschaft bei der Gerechtigkeitsfindung.

May 31, 2024 • 45min
What's next for Israel after events at the ICC and ICJ?
Guests Philippe Sands, Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, and Nomi Bar-Yacoov discuss the impact of ICC and ICJ actions on Israel, challenges in proving genocide and war crimes, the prosecutor's legal actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict, global power dynamics in international criminal cases, and the complexity of international rules and legal obligations.

Oct 29, 2025 • 54min
This lawyer turns real legal cases into page-turners
Philippe Sands, an international lawyer and bestselling author, delves into riveting legal histories that expose connections between Nazi leaders and Chilean dictator Pinochet. He recounts the landmark 1998 arrest of Pinochet in London and the ensuing legal battles. Sands shares fascinating insights on how the International Criminal Court has reshaped immunity laws and reveals chilling evidence linking former Nazis to Pinochet's regime. With warnings about the global erosion of legal systems, Sands emphasizes the importance of public engagement in preserving justice.

Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
Lawfare Daily: ‘38 Londres Street,’ Impunity, and Immunity with Philippe Sands
Philippe Sands, a law professor and author, dives deep into the intertwined histories of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet and Nazi SS commander Walter Rauff. He discusses his new book, exploring the legal and moral implications of Pinochet's arrest and its impact on international criminal law. Sands shares personal connections to his research, the importance of victim stories, and how recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings on immunity may unsettle global accountability for past atrocities. His insights are a compelling reflection on justice and historical memory.


