Conflict over “international order”: rift between the US, Japan and Europe - ICC

[Washington Current Affairs] On the 9th, the Trump administration announced sanctions against the body of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In response, the foreign ministers of Japan and major European countries immediately issued a joint statement declaring their intention to ``protect international order.'' There is also the risk of a serious conflict with the United States, which has declared the ICC a ``threat to sovereignty'' and is willing to ``dismantle it.''

"We hope that allies who rely on the U.S. military to defend themselves will put a stop to the ICC." U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said in a statement on the 9th. This request was made with Japan and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in mind, asking them to cooperate with the sanctions. President Trump also called on ICC member states to ``immediately withdraw'' from the ICC in his general debate speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September, and there is a possibility that he will continue to urge them to do so.

Some of the sanctions had a 180-day grace period. Although the conditions for lifting sanctions have not been specified, Trump has insisted that he will "never allow the ICC to investigate and prosecute Americans." However, there is no prospect that the international court, which aims to be ``independent and impartial,'' will accept these demands. If sanctions go into full swing, the ICC's survival will be in jeopardy, and Japan and Europe, which have expressed support, could be placed in a difficult position in terms of their relationship with the United States.

Behind the US's hardline stance is concern that US soldiers, who are not members of the ICC, could be prosecuted for war crimes. That is why then-President Clinton signed the treaty establishing the ICC in 2000, but postponed the ratification process.

Rubio also emphasized, ``Both parties (Republicans and Democrats) agree that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over American citizens.'' In addition to this, the Trump administration has clearly prioritized its own country over international cooperation. The United States has attacked the ICC, viewing it as a symbol of "globalists" who threaten U.S. sovereignty.