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.

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3,526 Articles
This picture taken from a position in southern Israel, on the border with the Gaza Strip, shows destroyed buildings in the besieged territory on May 27, 2025. (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images) 

The Illegality of Israel’s Military Offensive in Gaza

Analysis of jus ad bellum with Israel’s stated objectives for its current military operations in Gaza.
A burqa-clad woman sits in a field where a special prayer for rain is being performed by Afghan Muslims, in Fayzabad district of Badakhshan Province on May 19, 2025.

Removing Protected Status for Afghans in the U.S. is No Way to Treat Allies

Contrary to the Department of Homeland Security's claims, evidence shows the situation in Afghanistan has not improved. Deporting allies is unjustified and a betrayal.
A Sudanese army officer inspects equipment seized after their capture of a base used by the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries after the latter group evacuated from the Salha area of Omdurman, the twin-city of Sudan's capital, on May 26, 2025.

Why Lawmakers Want to Block Arms Sales to the United Arab Emirates

Lawmakers have an opportunity to use U.S. leverage to pressure the UAE to stop fueling devastating harm to Sudanese civilians – they should take it.
US President Donald Trump (L), accompanied by his UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan gestures with a clenched fist.

From Air Force One to Economic Entanglement: The Real Stakes of Trump’s Middle East Diplomacy

As Trump reinforces his foreign policy priorities, expanding the use of “sticky power” will be essential to sustaining U.S. influence and outcompeting rivals across the globe.
Women reflect in dirty water

Justice for Children in a Future Crimes Against Humanity Treaty

States should incorporate child-specific provisions within a future Crimes Against Humanity Convention to better protect children's rights.
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The Just Security Podcast: What’s Next for U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Assistance?

Expert panel considers the proposed restructuring of the State Department and unpacks the implications for U.S. foreign policy, what's at stake, and what lies ahead.
A doctor walks through the halls in a bombed Gaza hospital

State’s Program for Responding to Civilian Harm Caused by American Weapons Falls Short, But Should Not Be Abandoned

A well-resourced CHIRG could help prevent U.S. arms from being used unlawfully, and offer a credible response to critics of America’s global weapons transfers.
Ukraine, Kyiv Oblast, Pripyat, Interior of long abandoned building with completely broken out windows - stock photo (Getty Images)

Making Russia Pay: Obtaining Compensation for Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine in American Courts

US courts may offer avenues for holding Russia accountable for injuries caused by its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, subject to certain limitations.
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The Just Security Podcast: Peace Diplomacy and the Russo-Ukraine War

How should we understand the prospects for a sustainable peace in Ukraine amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and continued battlefield uncertainty?
A photo of three Sudanese children walking together

New Transitional Justice Legislation Provides an Entry Point for Reengaging with State- and Nation-Building Efforts in South Sudan

The South Sudan government should be held strictly to its commitment to establish and politically support new truth commission legislation.
People go past partially destroyed apartment blocks in Yarmouk camp outside Damascus, Syria

Paying for Return: Why Assad’s Assets Must Fund Syrian Repatriation

Assad’s frozen, sanctioned assets should be structured into reparation programs to help Syrian families afford rebuilding their lives.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth talks with Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez in front of a Panama Canal sign.

Ambiguity Is Not Authorization: The Neutrality Treaty Does Not Justify U.S. Military Intervention in Panama

U.S. Military intervention in Panama would violate fundamental international norms and find no justification in the Neutrality Treaty.
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