This article critically assesses the role of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) in enforcing International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The ICC was designed to ensure accountability for severe IHL violations. However, its operational capacity faces significant challenges, particularly its reliance on state cooperation for enforcement and political resistance. This article explores the Court’s jurisdiction, the principle of complementarity, and its investigative processes while analyzing resistance from nonsignatory states such as the US, China, and Russia. The US sanctions against the ICC especially with President Trump’s executive order of February 6, 2025, will exemplify the ongoing tension between state sovereignty and international accountability. Additionally, the article highlights issues within the Rome Statute, including ambiguities regarding state cooperation, jurisdiction, and immunity, which affect the Court’s efficacy. Despite some successes in prosecuting high-profile leaders, the ICC’s credibility remains a matter of debate due to its limited enforcement, inconsistent state support, and continued political resistance.

I. Introduction
II. A Changing Political Environment around the ICC
III. Obstacles to the ICC’s Effectiveness
    A. Reliance on State Cooperation and Enforcement Difficulties
    B. Sovereignty Concerns and Non-Ratification by Major Powers
    C. The US’s Opposition and Sanctions against the ICC: Trump’sExecutive Order 14203
    D. Perceived Bias and Selective Justice
    E. The Role of the ICC in Promoting Accountability during PoliticalChallenges
IV. Case Studies on the ICC’s Success and Shortcomings
    A. Successful Prosecutions and Legal Precedents
    B. High-Profile Failures and Enforcement Challenges
    C. Emerging Cases and Evolving Challenges
V. Conclusion

• Norsabreena Razali(Ph.D. candidate at University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam. LL.B./BSL/LL.M. (UNISSA, Brunei))
• Faizah Rahim(Research Assistant & Ph.D. candidate at the University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam. LL.B./ B.S.L./LL.M. (UNISSA, Brunei))
• Hambali Jaili(Assistant Rector for Research and Publication of the University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Brunei Darussalam MHSc/Ph.D. (Int’l Islamic U.-Malaysia))
• Nehaluddin Ahmad(Professor of Law at Faculty of Law Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam. M.A./LL.B./LL.M. (Lucknow U.-India), LL.M. (Strathclyde U.-UK), LL.D. (Meerut U.-India))