Armed Conflict
Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis on the legal, policy, and strategic dimensions of armed conflict, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, counterterrorism operations, conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, and other armed conflicts across the globe, with a focus on international humanitarian law, war crimes and accountability, mitigating and remedying civilian harm, and the humanitarian impacts of warfare.
3,562 Articles
From Commitment to Action: The Next Steps in Holding Russia’s Leaders Accountable for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine
The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression in Ukraine is a step toward closing a longstanding gap in international criminal accountability.
Suspend Your Judgment? The Role of International Courts in Ending Wars
When international courts intervene in active wars, they must contend with how (and whether) they can contribute to ending wars and shape the post-war aftermath.
Governments Need to Disrupt the Business of War Crimes: And No, Sanctions Are Not Enough
If governments are serious about accountability for atrocities, they must start following the money and treating international crimes like the big business they are.
Is the U.S. Conducting Air Strikes Against Al Qaeda in Yemen?
Despite official silence, multiple reports indicate renewed U.S. drone strikes in Yemen targeting AQAP militants, reviving debates on transparency and endless war.
A Legal Black Hole: Does Iraq Have the Right to Detain Prisoners Transferred from Syria?
The Global Coalition Against Daesh faces legal and moral strain over mass detainee transfers from Syria to Iraq, testing international law and policy.
When the Warning Bells Ring: Judicial Awareness in War
By heeding the warning bells and embracing a do‑no‑harm principle, international courts can denounce abuse while preserving the credibility of international justice.
Some Questions About Trump’s Executive Order Granting Privileges and Immunities to the Board of Peace
The Trump administration, the Board of Peace, and Congress all should have interests in clarifying the legal basis on which any privileges and immunities are being provided.
Establishing the Board of Peace: Key Questions About the Launch of the Trump Administration’s New Peace-Building Initiative
The Trump administration created the Board of Peace to lead Gaza’s reconstruction and global peace-building, raising questions about structure, control, and legitimacy.
The OLC Maduro Memorandum: Assisting in War Sustaining Activities is Not Direct Participation in Hostilities
A troubling OLC memo claims civilians aiding “war-sustaining activities” can be lawfully targeted—an unsupported interpretation that weakens civilian safeguards.
Assessing the ICC’s Impact in Ukraine
An analysis of the ICC’s warrants against Putin and Lvova-Belova, exploring their real impact on diplomacy, deterrence, and justice in Ukraine.
Five War Powers Takeaways from the Senate’s Venezuela Hearing
The Senate's hearing with Rubio offered little solace to those concerned about the use of force against Venezuela.
In 2026, a Growing Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
In 2026, it is highly likely that countries such as South Korea and Saudi Arabia will move closer to developing the technical means—and political motivation—to build a bomb.