Washington has long resisted joining the International Criminal Court, and has even sanctioned some of its judges, but this latest push marks a dramatic escalation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed the court threatens US military and law enforcement operations, and undermines its sovereignty. But that's contrary to the reality of how it operates, according to Harvard Law School professor Alex Whiting, who spoke with DW's Ben Fajzullin.

Despite earlier criticism of the court for focusing on cases from African nations, Whiting said the ICC is now playing a vital role in upholding justice in many places where human rights are being abused.