Could the U.S. really invade the Netherlands?
There’s actually a law that allows it: the 'Hague Invasion Act'.
Let’s break it down.
#hague #invasion #usa #netherlands #europe #icc
There’s actually a law that allows it: the 'Hague Invasion Act'.
Let’s break it down.
#hague #invasion #usa #netherlands #europe #icc
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00:00Could the US really invade the Netherlands? There's actually a law that allows it,
00:04the Hague Invasion Act. Let's break it down. Officially called the American Service
00:08Members Protection Act, the Hague Invasion Act was signed into law in 2002.
00:12It gives the US the authority to use all necessary means, including military force,
00:17to free Americans or allies detained by the International Criminal Court.
00:21Why does this law exist? The US doesn't recognize the ICC's jurisdiction,
00:26fearing politically motivated prosecutions of its military and officials.
00:30When the law was passed, it sparked outrage, especially in Europe,
00:34because it essentially threatens military action against the ICC's host country, the Netherlands.
00:39Now let's fast forward to 2024. After the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister
00:45Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant, US lawmakers like Senator Tom Cotton took to
00:51social media, calling the ICC a kangaroo court and invoking the Hague Invasion Act to warn against
00:57enforcing the warrants. So what does this mean? The Hague Invasion Act is likely a symbolic
01:02threat rather than a genuine plan for invasion. Such an action would severely harm US relations
01:07with European allies, making it highly improbable. A law that allows military action against an
01:13international court. Is this protecting sovereignty or undermining global justice
01:18in the most extreme way?