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.
3,544 Articles
Preventing and Responding to Civilian Casualties: An Upcoming Discussion on Law, Policy, and Progress
Civilian casualties are inevitable in armed conflict. Nonetheless, international law requires armed forces to distinguish between civilians and lawful military objectives, and…
Int’l Criminal Court’s Afghanistan Decision Expands Prosecutor’s Power: What to Expect Next
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorized a formal investigation into alleged crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan on Thursday, overturning…
NATO Recognizes Space as an “Operational Domain”: One Small Step Toward a Rules-Based International Order in Outer Space
(Editor’s Note: The absence of a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework for military operations in outer space represents a troubling deficiency in the understanding of…
Iraqi Militias Split Over New Iran-Backed Head, Reflecting Wider Divisions
Understanding the differences among the Hashd al-Sha’abi factions is vital as the organization gains increasing influence in government, including the official Iraqi security…
The Middle East Peace “Vision” From an Old CIA Hand
The most problematic, near-term effect of the Trump administration’s “vision” may be its diminishment of critical behind-the-scenes cooperation between the U.S., Israeli,…
Military Space Operations and International Law
(Editor’s Note: The absence of a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework for military operations in outer space represents a troubling deficiency in the understanding of…
The U.S.-Taliban Accord: Can the Afghan Government Rise to the Occasion?
Intra-Afghan talks are set to start March 10, leaving little time for the Afghan government to organize a negotiation team, even though they've had months to prepare.
What to Watch For in White House’s Annual Report on Use of Military Force
The report is due Sunday, March 1, and here are the key legal and policy issues to keep a sharp eye on.
Norm-Skepticism in Cyberspace? Counter-Factual and Counterproductive
Leading expert on international law and cyber responds to statement by Chief of US Naval Operations, Admiral Mike Gilday on international norms in cyberspace.
After Soleimani Killing, Iran and Its Proxies Recalibrate in Iraq
Understanding the motivations and capabilities of leading Iranian-backed militia units is vital for an effective US and Iraqi response to likely violence in the coming months.
Congress Speaks: Trump Currently Has No Authority to Launch War with Iran
The House and Senate have passed resolutions that say President Trump has no authority to take the country to war against Iran.
Reduction of Civilian Harm in Afghanistan: A Way Forward
As all sides have jockeyed for leverage in Afghanistan, civilians have paid the price with over 10,000 civilian casualties in 2019.