Armed Conflict
Use of Force
823 Articles
Is The Pentagon’s Plan to Protect Civilians Living up to its Promises?
Taking stock of the Pentagon's progress in implementing the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.
Making Sense of International Law in Light of Israel and Iran’s Latest Round of “Retaliation”
The current round of retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran casts light on Israel's and Iran’s opposing political strategies, which also have significant legal implications…
Law of War Questions Raised by Exploding Pagers in Lebanon
The exploding pagers in Lebanon raise a number of factual and legal questions related to the obligations of the attacker under the law of armed conflict.
A Reply to Chris O’Meara: Necessity and Proportionality in International Law on the Use of Force
In his thought-provoking essay in Just Security, Chris O’Meara provides an insightful analysis of Ukraine’s recent incursion into Kursk Oblast under the law governing the use…
Ukraine’s Incursion into Kursk Oblast: A Lawful Case of Defensive Invasion?
The UN Charter, the law on the use of force, and the conditions that body of law places on Ukraine's military operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast.
A Presidential Proclamation to End the Iraq War: Unilateral Executive Action to Defang a Zombie AUMF
President Biden should proclaim the conflict authorized by the 2002 resolution to be over and determine that it is no longer “necessary and appropriate” to use force for the…
The Just Security Podcast: Assessing the Laws of War
Cordula Droege, chief legal officer and head of the legal division of the International Committee of the Red Cross, assesses the laws of war.
The Aftermath of the Haniyeh Killing: How to Avoid a New Middle East War
Expert analysis of the Ismail Haniyeh killing and prospects for avoiding a wider war in the Middle East.
Assessing the Civilian and Political Institutions of Armed Non-State Actors under International Law
International law must better understand and account for the realities of civilian life in territory under armed group control.
Death Toll Climbs in Ukraine With Russia’s ‘Double-Tap’ Strikes
The tactic adds to evidence of intent to kill civilians through targeted or indiscriminate attacks, including on aid workers and institutions.
Assessing Jus Ad Bellum Proportionality: A Factored Approach
Nine factors, considered in their totality, would provide a more nuanced understanding of jus ad bellum proportionality and assist States in identifying specific concerns with…
Humanitarian Notification in Gaza is Broken: How to Document and Respond When Things Go Wrong
Humanitarian notification has failed in Gaza. Better documentation and response systems can protect humanitarian actors and improve accountability.