The Peace Palace: The Most Important Place You’ve Never Heard Of

So, last Friday, Alex had yet another day off school (because apparently Dutch holidays are like sprinkles on a cupcake—the world gets better if you just keep adding more). We finally managed to sync our calendars with our friends Tom and Susie in The Hague. Yes, we’ve lived in the Netherlands for almost a year, but between their living part-time in DC and our Olympic-level commitment to overscheduling, this was our first opportunity. Miracles do happen.

First Stop on Our Grand Adventure 

Before hitting The Hague, we made a pit stop at the airport. Why? Because our friend Robert and his two sons were having a layover on their epic San Diego-to-Delhi journey. KLM just launched this route, and Robert, always the bargain hunter, scored tickets so cheap you’d think they were flying cargo. There’s nothing like welcoming friends to your new country by loitering in an airport fast food joint. But we felt super fortunate to get to spend an hour with them.

The Hague: Because “Hague” Wasn’t Pretentious Enough

Next stop: The Hague. Yes, the Hague. Why not throw a random article in front of your city’s name? Maybe it’s to make The Bronx feel less lonely. And let’s be real, we Americans are in no position to judge—the United States, anyone?

Lunch, Law, and Lingering Hostage Crises

We met Tom and Susie for lunch. This was strategic, as it gave Tom time to explain his job before we entered the hallowed halls of international justice. Tom is a judge on a panel still untangling the Iran hostage crisis. You know, the one from 1979. Apparently, international disputes age like fine wine—just keep them in the cellar for 40+ years and they’ll be ready… someday. But hey, job security for Tom!  [For those interested in the details, a bunch of US companies had sold some stuff to Iran - mostly weapons - before the crisis.  Payment had been accepted, but goods were not yet delivered.  So, there was a lot to “negotiate”. And, apparently, still is.]

The Peace Palace: Where World Peace Gets a Its Own Headquarters

Finally, we arrived at the Peace Palace. We didn’t actually get to go inside (security, secrets, or maybe they knew we were from the US), but the visitor center was so packed with information that we barely noticed. Who needs marble corridors when you have interactive displays and a gift shop?

Here’s the gist: Back in the early 1900s, Russian Czar Nicholas II took a break from czaring to predict World War I and thought, “Hey, what if we had a place to argue that didn’t involve bayonets? Maybe then we could avoid this annoying carnage called 'war'.” Enter Andrew Carnegie, who had just made his first bazillion and decided to sprinkle some peace on the world (after buying himself a few libraries, of course).

The Peace Palace officially kicked off with the Second Hague Peace Conference in 1907, attended by 44 countries—because nothing says “peace” like a room full of diplomats side-eyeing each other.

Judging the World, One Court Case at a Time

The Peace Palace is home to two major judicial bodies: the International Court of Justice (think Judge Judy, but with more robes and cooler accents) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (not to be confused with the Temporary Court of Arbitration, which is basically just a bar fight). The International Court of Justice is exactly what it sounds like: a place nations can take grievances either against each other or against bad actors who have aggrieved an entire country. Fun fact: Rodrigo Duterte is currently chilling in The Hague, awaiting trial for his alleged crimes. Meanwhile, the arbitration folks are still sorting out who owes whom for weapons never delivered during the Iran crisis among a bunch of other things. Riveting stuff.

And let’s not forget the law library, one of the biggest in the world, courtesy of Mr. Carnegie. 

The Verdict

So, if you’re ever in the Netherlands and you’ve overdosed on canals and wooden shoes, swing by the Peace Palace visitor center. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for international law—and possibly a tote bag. Who knew world peace was just a train ride away?

Us with Tom in front of the Peace Palace