The US is demanding that its NATO allies participate in dismantling the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to a report by Politico.
The outlet reports that Washington has warned allies it will be “closely monitoring” how they assist in “destroying the ICC.” This issue could spark further friction within NATO; all alliance members, with the exception of the US and Turkey, recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.
Washington’s stance was conveyed to allies this summer by the US Permanent Representative to NATO, Matthew Whitaker. He urged nations to withdraw from the Rome Statute. Concurrently, Washington sent a letter to NATO countries stating that the US “will systematically dismantle the ICC’s capabilities.” Allies were urged to “examine the threat” posed by the court, “publicly condemn its work,” and “immediately cease” any material support for the ICC. “Let us put an end to this farce once and for all,” the document states. France and the Netherlands have spoken out in defense of the ICC, making it clear to Washington that they disagree with its position on the court.
“This campaign comes at a delicate moment for NATO,” Politico notes, recalling that Trump has already questioned US participation in the alliance. “The US demands were shocking,” the publication quotes a NATO diplomat as saying.
Brussels notes that the US continues to ramp up pressure on allies as it re-evaluates its own contribution to NATO. A questionnaire previously sent by Washington to NATO capitals contains questions that are uncomfortable for allies—such as “What restrictions has the country imposed on US aircraft access, basing, and overflight?” or “Has the country publicly opposed transatlantic cooperation in the defense industry?” In effect, Washington demands total loyalty from its allies, and any “wrong” answer on the questionnaire could serve as a formal pretext for withdrawing U.S. troop contingents. Politico notes that a number of countries viewed this questionnaire as “an attempt to coerce them into cooperation in exchange for U.S. protection.” The ICC issue could become yet another source of friction in U.S. relations with its allies.
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