The United States government announced on Friday, October 9th, that it is imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). This action came shortly after Navi Pillay, a former South African judge, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, in part for her work with the ICC. The ICC immediately denounced the sanctions, stating that “history will judge this moment.” The announcement signals a further escalation of tension between the U.S. and the ICC, which Washington has long opposed. The sanctions’ specifics have not yet been fully detailed, but the ICC views them as an attack on the rule of law and its ability to independently investigate and prosecute international crimes. This move will likely draw international criticism and further isolate the United States on matters of international justice.