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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3,301 Articles
People displaced by conflict and living at a United Nations Protection of Civilians (POC) site mingle among shelters in Wau on February 1, 2020. 13,000 civilians were sheltering at the site, adjacent to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) field office, just outside Wau town. The people had fled massacres and burning villages during a ruinous six-year conflict between forces loyal to the government of South Sudan President Salva Kiir and those of his political rival, former Vice President, Riek Machar. A string of failed truces and hollow promises had spawned distrust in the two rival leaders. (Photo by TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images)

Invest in Early Prevention and Continuous Learning to Help Curb Atrocities in a Challenging Era

To reinvigorate US leadership, consider why US action on the 2008 Albright-Cohen blueprint has not translated into more success.
The Hague's Binnenhof with the Hofvijver lake at dusk, Den Haag, Netherlands

Syrian Regime Crimes on Trial in The Netherlands

Charges against a Syrian man accused of committing atrocity crimes could set important legal precedents for future cases in the Netherlands.
Women in indigenous Guatemalan dresses crossing street holding protest signs, crosswalk in foreground.

Strengthening Reproductive Autonomy in the Draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty

In the draft crimes against humanity treaty, States have a historic opportunity to strengthen protections for reproductive autonomy within the framework of international law.
(L-R) US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Christine Abizaid

Threat from Within? Unreformed Counterterrorism Infrastructure Raises Concerns About Misuse

The costs of allowing expansive U.S. counterterrorism laws are borne by too many Americans who live in fear of these tools.
(L to R) Israel's National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata, Director-general and chief executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) John Chipman, US White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, and the German Social Democratic Party's Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Nils Schmid

Top Legal Experts on Why Aid to Gaza Can’t Be Conditioned on Hostage Release, in response to remarks by US Official

Top law-of-war experts give us their views on a statement made by a senior US official concerning humanitarian relief in Gaza and hostages.
The episode title appears with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: Counterterrorism and Human Rights (Part I Root Causes, Guantanamo, and Northeast Syria)

Perhaps no one is better equipped to consider the impact of counterterrorism on human rights than Fionnuala Ní Aoláin. This is Part 1 of a special two-part conversation.
Various countries' flags in front of UN building and fence with UN symbol

National Security at the United Nations This Week (Nov. 13-17)

A UN Security Council resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, US airstrikes in Syria and Article 51 implications, ICJ elections, and more.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stands next to Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman

It’s Time to Close the Door on Biden’s Saudi Defense Deal

The Biden administration's potential defense deal with Saudi Arabia would undermine U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and could pave the path for a regional nuclear arms…

How Can US Global Health Assistance Adapt to Population Aging?

An age-inclusive policy might require a paradigm shift, returning to the promise of primary care to reach the global goal of health for all.
Shot of the UN Security Council

Proportionality in Self-Defense: A Brief Reply

A response to an article published on how military campaigns can never be rendered disproportionate by the total harm inflicted on civilians.

The Problem of Proportionality: A Response to Adil Haque

Whether the magnitude of State responses to terror is ethical and wise goes beyond determinations of legal compliance.
Refugees shelter under tarpaulins along a stream as the monsoon rains create massive challenges for the displaced Rohingya September 17, 2017 in Kutupalong, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. More than 400,000 Rohingya refugees fled into Bangladesh from late August that year during the outbreak of violence in Rakhine state. Satellite images released by Amnesty International at the time provided evidence that security forces were trying to push the minority Muslim group out of the country. According to reports, the Rohingya crisis by that point had left at least 1,000 people dead, including children and infants. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

If Mass Atrocity Prevention Has a Future, the Responsibility to Protect Can’t Afford to Be Niche

States and international organizations must make the Responsibility to Protect a priority and integrate it into wider policy and programming.
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