In 2022 I reviewed a book called “The Ratline” by Philippe Sands (Book Review: The Ratline). A book which taught me so much about Nazi Germany and the general history of WWII in Europe.
East West Street: On the Origins of “Genocide” and “Crimes Against Humanity” also written by Philippe Sands is a profound and meticulously researched work that intertwines personal memoir with the broader historical and legal developments of the 20th century. The book primarily explores the lives and contributions of Hersch Lauterpacht and Rafael Lemkin, two legal scholars who were instrumental in developing the concepts of “crimes against humanity” and “genocide,” respectively.
Sands, an international human rights lawyer, embarks on a personal journey to uncover his family’s history, which is deeply connected to the city of Lviv (formerly Lwów), where both Lauterpacht and Lemkin studied. This personal narrative is skilfully woven into the broader historical context of the Nuremberg Trials, where these legal concepts were first applied. The book is not just a historical account but also a deeply moving exploration of identity, memory, and justice.
One of the most compelling aspects of East West Street is its detailed examination of the economic and industrial strategies of Nazi Germany during World War II. The Nazi regime’s approach to industry was characterized by a combination of state control and collaboration with private businesses. This partnership was crucial for the regime’s war efforts and its plans for post-war recovery.
Nazi Germany’s economy was heavily militarized, with a significant portion of its industrial output dedicated to the war effort. The regime’s strategy involved both the exploitation of occupied territories and the use of forced labour. Millions of prisoners and concentration camp inmates were used as slave labour to support the war economy. This system allowed the Nazis to maintain high levels of production despite the ongoing conflict.
In addition to exploiting occupied territories, the Nazi regime also engaged in strategic offshoring of certain industries. This involved relocating key industrial assets and technologies to areas less likely to be targeted by Allied bombing campaigns. The goal was to preserve these assets for use after the war, ensuring that Germany could quickly rebuild its industrial base.
The Nazi regime’s plans for post-war recovery were ambitious. They envisioned a Europe dominated by Germany, with a highly developed industrial base capable of supporting continued military expansion. The offshoring of industries and the preservation of key technologies were central to these plans. However, the defeat of Nazi Germany and the subsequent division of the country by the Allied powers thwarted these ambitions.
Sands’ narrative brings to life the intellectual and emotional struggles of Lauterpacht and Lemkin as they sought to define and prosecute the atrocities committed during World War II. Their work laid the foundation for modern international human rights law, and Sands’ exploration of their contributions is both informative and deeply moving. The book also provides a detailed account of Hans Frank, a Nazi official whose actions had a direct impact on Sands’ family.
East West Street is a masterful work that offers a unique perspective on the development of legal principles that continue to shape our world. I recommend it to anyone interested in history, law, and human rights.
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© Reggie 2025
