The forthcoming trial of former Bosnian-Serb leader Radovan Karadzic for genocide and crimes against humanity is the latest high-profile, international case to be conducted in The Hague. At a time when the world's media descend and set-up camp in the Dutch city, this article takes a brief look at the seat of government for the Netherlands.



Founded in the early 13th century by then Count of Holland, Floris IV, the original purpose of the region was to extend to little more than a residence on which to hunt. As a result, the region would become known as 'Des Graven Hage' - 'the count's wood'.

It would be Floris' successor, William II, who envisioned a palace and an expansion of the area. Completed during the reign of his son, sections of the palace - in particular the Knights' Hall - remain to this day, and continue to be used for certain political and regal events.

With the palatial residency in place, The Hague would quickly become the administrative centre for the nation, in 1588 taking on the seat of the government of the Dutch Republic. This remained the case even after the Napoleonic Wars saw the Netherlands combined with Belgium to form the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. This short-lived kingdom permitted both Amsterdam and Brussels to hold the official title of capital on an alternating, two-year term, yet The Hague maintained its administrative status throughout the period, and even following the kingdom's subsequent dissolution.

Such a rich pedigree as a political centre set the tone for The Hague to become a base for many international legal organisations, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

Arguably the most renowned international legal proceeding to operate in the city, however, is that of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Originated by the United Nations to prosecute those responsible for serious crimes during the wars that ravaged the former Yugoslavia throughout the early 1990s, to date the most notorious indictee to face prosecution at the Tribunal building in The Hague was former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

In the coming months - if not years - former Bosnian-Serb leader Radovan Karadzic will demand similar attention from media organisations. The hope for many, however, is that the trial will not be reduced to the oft-farcical proceedings of Milosevic's drawn-out trial. The prolonged proceedings lasted into a fifth year, with its end coming prematurely through the untimely death of the defendant. This time around, it is hoped that The Hague can anticipate the successful prosecution of a heavily-sought war criminal.

Having been in the limelight of European politics for centuries, it is clear that The Hague has become accustomed to political and media attention. As a result, this modern and cosmopolitan city will no doubt continue to conduct itself with great diplomacy and dignity as the trial ensues.