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Event description
The United States has historically been ambivalent about the International Criminal Court. It has never become a state party, and while during the Biden Administration its position towards the court became more supportive, under the Trump Administration its position has hardened. During 2026 US sanctions have been placed on ICC staff including judges, and the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has indicated the United States will “dismantle the ICC—brick by brick, if necessary”.
Hosted by the Centre for International and Public Law, this seminar addresses these issues with an historical perspective on the negotiation of the Rome Statue and the US role in that process, and the current US legal and political campaign against the ICC and its implications for Australia.
Speakers
Honorary Professor Richard Rowe, ANU School of Law
Richard Rowe PSM is a former senior officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Among other roles, he was the Department's Senior Legal Adviser and was the Head of the Australian Delegation to Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings. He chaired the Consultative Meeting held in Hobart in 2012 and maintains an active interest in Antarctic issues. He is an Honorary Professor in the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy.
Professor Douglas Guilfoyle, UNSW Canberra
Professor Douglas Guilfoyle joined UNSW Canberra in 2018. His principal areas of research are maritime security, the international law of the sea, and international and transnational criminal law. Particular areas of specialism include maritime law-enforcement, the law of naval warfare, international courts and tribunals, and the history of international law.
Associate Professor Cecilia Jacob, Bell School ANU
Cecilia is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at the Coral Bell School and Associate Dean (Research, Engagement and Impact) in the College of Asia and the Pacific. Her work focuses on civilian protection, mass atrocity prevention, and international human protection norms. Her work sits at the intersection of international relations, international law, and ethics. Cecilia has a geographic focus on armed conflict and political violence in South and Southeast Asia and has conducted extensive overseas field research. She has advised governments on atrocity prevention and conflict-related policy, and has consulted for a number of UN agencies and humanitarian organisations, including the UN Joint Office on the Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect.
Professor Donald R. Rothwell, Professor of International Law, ANU School of Law
Donald R Rothwell is Professor of International Law and Australia’s foremost expert in International Law with specific focus on ocean legal governance, polar legal governance, and Australia’s engagement with international legal governance and structures. He is the author of 30 books and over 200 book chapters and articles including, with Tim Stephens, the influential and respected academic text, The International Law of the Sea 3rd ed (Hart: 2023), and Islands and International Law (Hart: 2022).