Why did some major countries decline to ratify the Rome Statute?

The Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC), has not been ratified by several major global powers, including the United States, China, Russia, and India.12

The primary reason cited by these nations for declining to ratify the statute is the concern that the court would unduly infringe upon their national sovereignty. Specifically, these countries have expressed apprehension that an international judicial body could exercise jurisdiction over their citizens or military personnel, potentially undermining their domestic legal systems and political autonomy.32

For instance, the United States, while initially a signatory, later withdrew its signature during the administration of President George W. Bush, reflecting a firm stance against subjecting its nationals to the authority of an international court. The absence of these major powers from the ICC has been a point of contention, as critics argue that it perpetuates a sense of unequal treatment and compromises the court's overall effectiveness in pursuing global justice.312