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.
3,526 Articles
Somalia War Crimes Trial Starts Monday, as Another Survivor Seeks Justice
The third in a trio of federal cases brought by the San Francisco-based Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA) on behalf of victims and survivors of Siad Barre’s rule in…
UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: An Unequivocal Call for Respect for the Law
The United Nations (UN) yesterday released the Secretary-General’s annual report to the Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. It is an unequivocal…
“No Sideshow” – The ‘Protection of Civilians’ Agenda Turns 20
This year marks two decades since the protection of civilians in armed conflict became a specific item on the agenda of the Security Council. The evolution of the idea demonstrates…
Elisions and Omissions: Questioning the ICC’s Latest Bashir Immunity Ruling
A close analysis of the ICC Appeals Chamber's reasoning in the Bashir immunity case raises serious questions about its conclusions on the difference between national and international…
A Confusing ICC Appeals Judgment on Head-of-State Immunity
The outcome of the decision is not a surprise - but its implications for the immunity of senior officials of states that do not belong to the ICC, even beyond cases in which there…
For the Military Commissions, a Fork in the Road on Torture
“It’s time for everyone to admit that the Guantanamo military commissions have failed.” That’s what Steve Vladeck wrote last month in a characteristically excellent post discussing…
The Mazars USA Subpoena as an Existential Threat to President Trump
The ‘friendly’ subpoena recently served on the tax and accounting firm Mazars USA seeking client records related to Donald J. Trump and the Trump Organization may not have…
Preview of the International Criminal Court Appeals Judgment on Al-Bashir and Head of State Immunity
Three weeks ago, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber announced that on May 6 it would issue its judgment on whether President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan was entitled…
Getting Past the Veto on Ending Yemen War: How Congress’ Next Moves Can Succeed
Congress can now take two paths to end Yemen War, in light of President's Trump successful veto. A short-term and long-term strategy.
The Pentagon’s 2018 Civilian Casualties Report: What’s In It and What’s Next
The Pentagon’s latest annual report, released this morning, lists shockingly low numbers of "credible" civilian casualties. It also illustrated the need for better processes…
New Pentagon Report Significantly Undercounts Civilian Casualties
The latest annual report was on time and included more details than it had in the past, thanks to additional congressional requirements. But it still significantly undercounts…
After Bashir, Sudanese People Continue Fight for Democracy and Accountability
The African Union's three-month extension for Sudan's military to hand over to a civilian government might give the protesters time to plan for the country's future. But it also…