I run a country. I have every reason to know what rules I should abide by.

I've heard of you Cybertronians, but only ever met a few Decepticons here. Are you one of them? Given your question about ethics in war, it seems doubtful, but worth asking.

It depends on the individual, and their abilities. My lifespan is potentially infinite. But yes, most of those infringing international law on human rights and war crimes are never prosecuted, and at least one of the few that the International Criminal Court has managed to prosecute died before they could be sentenced.