ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 analyzes the most extreme form of resistance: exits and threats to exit from the ICC. The chapter traces the exit movement at the regional level and at the UN and presents the stated reasons for backlash. By looking at the AU movement for continental withdrawal from 2013 to 2017 as well as exit and “almost exit” case studies from African states, the chapter shows that for most countries, the governments’ perception of regime costs posed by ICC cases helps to explain attempts to leave the Court. The country cases show that when state officials or key allies’ state officials were targeted with potential court action, governments decided to take steps to leave the Court. The chapter shows that the exit movement has abated since 2016 and now the AU is seeking reform from within the ICC.
