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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3,331 Articles
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to employees at Lockheed Martin, a facility that manufactures weapon systems such as Javelin anti-tank missiles, on May 3, 2022 in Troy, Alabama. The Biden-Harris Administration is providing these weapons to Ukraine to defend against the Russian invasion. In the background hangs a banner that says, "Standing with Ukraine." (Photo by Julie Bennett/Getty Images)

Western “Self-Deterrence” is Aiding Putin’s War of Aggression

Western messaging must be more clear about military action that Ukraine is legally entitled to take and the rationale for assistance.

A Right to Spy? The Legality and Morality of Espionage

The Chinese spy balloon incident raises deeper concerns about the legality and morality of espionage.
CAMP SHORAB, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 11: A U.S. Army helicopter flies outside of Camp Shorab on a flight to Camp Post on September 11, 2017 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. About 300 marines are currently deployed in Helmand Province in a train, advise, and assist role supporting local Afghan security forces. Currently the United States has about 11,000 troops in the deployed in Afghanistan, with a reported 4,000 more expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Last month, President Donald Trump announced his plan for Afghanistan which called for an increase in troop numbers and a new conditions-based approach to the war, getting rid of a timetable for the withdrawal of American forces in the country. (Photo by Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images)

Opaque Transparency on the Use of Force: Observations on the 2022 “1264” Report

The 2022 report illustrates the limits of congressionally mandated reporting requirements on matters of war and peace and the need for Congress to be more proactive in informing…
Protestors make a human chain in front of NATO headquarters, demanding NATO membership and weapons for Ukraine on November 27, 2022 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)

To Secure Peace in Europe, Bring Ukraine into NATO

Contrary to much either-or handwringing, diplomatic history points to myriad ways and conditions to accomplish this goal.
People stand on stage behind a sign that reads "REAIM."

Globalizing Responsible AI in the Military Domain by the REAIM Summit

The REAIM Summit broadens international discussions from lethal autonomous weapon systems to military and defense-related applications of AI.
Russia's navy ships and helicopters take part in a military exercise called Kavkaz (the Caucasus) 2016 at the coast of the Black Sea in Crimea on September 9, 2016.

Are Methods of Naval Warfare at Risk Under “Qualified” Neutrality? Expert Q&A from Stockton Center’s Russia-Ukraine Conference

Absent a clear indication in State practice to the contrary, qualified immunity should not effectively transform what would otherwise be contraband into “free goods” immune…
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrive to pose for a photo in front of their respective flags during their meeting in Beijing, on February 4, 2022, when they said in a joint statement that their "Friendship between the two States has no limits." (Photo by ALEXEI DRUZHININ/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

US Must Sharpen Attention to Potential Global Crisis Posed by Russia and China

Given Putin's war on Ukraine and Xi's threats to Taiwan and the two leaders' "no limits" partnership, deterrence and democracy are at risk.
Exterior View of the new International Criminal Court building in The Hague on July 30, 2016 in The Hague The Netherlands.

Unpacking New Legislation on US Support for the International Criminal Court

"Congress has now given the Biden administration the tools it needs – both legal and political -- [to provide US support to the ICC Prosecutor] and the ball is now in its court."
a guard tower is visible behind a razor-wire fence at the detention camp on July 23, 2008 at Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, in Cuba.

Rehabilitation for Torture at Guantanamo is a Moral and Legal Imperative

To be an effective leader, the United States must honor its commitments under the Convention Against Torture.
Protesters hold signs that read "Trans Rights are Human Rights" while a wall of police stand between them and Proud Boys members with handkerchiefs over their faces.

The Proud Boys and Oath Keepers Are Domestic Terrorists, It’s Past Time to Call Them What They Are

The Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6th are not drinking buddies or patriots. They are violent extremists.
Costa Rican Ambassador to the UN Martiza Chan and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Christian Guillermet-Fernandez stand on stage with a black background holding copies of the Belén Communiqué.

Latin America and Caribbean Nations Rally Against Autonomous Weapons Systems

After a decade of debate, it is urgent for States to start drafting new legally binding rules to prevent the automation of killing.
U.S. President Joe Biden (R) meets with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (L) in the Oval Office of the White House on December 21, 2022 in Washington, DC. Zelensky is meeting with President Biden on his first known trip outside of Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, and the two leaders are expected to discuss continuing military aid. Zelensky will reportedly address a joint meeting of Congress in the evening.

Almost There: When Will the Biden Administration Support the ICC in Ukraine?

The ICC’s investigation may be the only viable effort to hold accountable certain senior Russian officials responsible for horrific atrocities in Ukraine. The only thing that…
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