The International Criminal Court (ICC) remains under sustained attack from the United States, driven by Washington's insistence on impunity for alleged international crimes involving US citizens. Since before the ICC became a global institution, the US has sought to undermine its work, particularly under Republican administrations.

Republican officials such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and current Secretary of State Marco Rubio have focused on opposing the ICC, despite the court never having issued a warrant for any American citizen.

Recent withdrawals of Venezuela and Chad from the ICC, reportedly influenced by US pressure, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the court. Observers suggest that the greater risk to the ICC may come from its alleged supporters who fail to take decisive action to defend it.

The US recognizes that its efforts alone cannot dismantle the ICC, underscoring the need for stronger multilateral support. For example, countries like Lebanon could leverage ICC membership to resist external pressures and reinforce the rule of law domestically.

This analysis was presented in an opinion piece by Mark Kersten published by Al Jazeera on August 9, 2026.

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