Consideration is given of the ‘classical’ view on state responsibility for internationally wrongful acts and the reasons why, at least according to the International Law Commission of the United Nations, this view no longer corresponds to the realities of international legal life. The author then focuses on the novel concept of international crimes of states. Both the constituent elements and the legal consequences of international crimes, as conceived of by the International Law Commission, are discussed. According to the author, without the simultaneous acceptance of compulsory means of pacific settlement, the potentially fruitful concept of international crimes of states might prove disastrous for the international community.