The Nuremberg trials after World War II were largely a symbolic exercise because

The Nuremberg trials after World War II were largely a symbolic exercise because a small number of Nazis were charged.

Explanation:

The Nuremberg Trials were two distinct groups of trials to Nazi leaders involved in World War II and the Holocaust. The trials were held in the Palace of Justice of the German city of Nuremberg from 20 November 1945 to 1 October 1946 (the city was, together with Berlin and Munich, one of the symbolic cities of the Nazi regime).

The first trial, accusing the top German leadership, was held between November 1945 and October 1946. The trial was followed by twelve other trials, the first of which is called the Medical Trial (1947). The trials resulted in a total of 177 sentences, including 25 death sentences, 20 life imprisonment sentences, 97 shorter prison sentences and 35 acquittal sentences.

Answer: Because no actual members of the Nazi party, Italy, or Japan were actually tried.