International Law
Just Security offers expert analysis of international law and its role in addressing global challenges. Our coverage includes litigation in international and regional tribunals, the process of international law-making, analysis of compliance and accountability for international law violations–including international criminal justice, and challenges to the international legal order.
Highlights:
Timeline of Vessel Strikes and Related Actions
A timeline that chronicles major events in the Trump administration’s campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers
Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.
Hypothetical Legal Review of Narcotrafficking Strikes
A mock “operational legal review” depicting what a staff judge advocate’s advice should have been prior to the first reported strike on an alleged drug trafficking vessel.
The International Law Obligation of States to Stop Intelligence Support for U.S. Boat Strikes
The only way States can avoid complicity in “arbitrary killings” under international human rights law is to refrain from sharing intelligence that, in part, enables them.
Persecuting the Prosecutors: Israel’s Military Lawyers Under Pressure
The weakening of the Military Advocate General affects the IDF's ability to carry out its missions lawfully, and the broader protection of the rule of law in Israel.
There Should Be a New ICC Prosecutor Regardless of the UN Report Outcome
The ICC’s legitimacy is under scrutiny, and every internal shortcoming becomes evidence for those who argue that international justice is politicized or hypocritical.
3,512 Articles
Crisis as Catalyst: Seabed Minerals and the (Un)Making of International Law
Will President Trump, as President Truman did during the WWII era, succeed in refashioning the law governing international seabed minerals?
A Point of Clarification Re the International Lawyers’ Statement on Gaza
Israeli international law scholars write about their prior letter published by Just Security and a recent article published at Just Security as well.
International Lawyers Unite in Joint Statement on Gaza
An eight-point statement signed by 270 international law scholars demonstrates a convergence of views on Gaza and international law.
The U.S. Draft Security Council Resolution on Gaza: Initial Concerns
The draft resolution has fundamental legal problems and ambiguities that, if not resolved, will harm both peace in Gaza and prospects of a more sustainable future.
U.S. Saber Rattling and Venezuela: Lawful Show of Force or Unlawful Threat of Force?
Clearly, U.S. actions are threatening to Venezuela. But do they amount to an unlawful threat under international law, or are they merely a lawful show of force?
A Series on the Occasion of ABILA’s International Law Weekend 2025
Just Security, as a co-sponsor of International Law Weekend 2025, is pleased to feature a series centered around the event's theme: "Crisis as Catalyst in International Law."
The Just Security Podcast: Reflections on International Law Weekend 2025
Chiara Giorgetti, Milena Sterio, and Rebecca Hamilton join Just Security’s Managing Editor, Megan Corrarino, to discuss takeaways from ABILA's International Law Weekend.
Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
Irreconcilable Presidential Determinations: On Tren de Aragua and the Venezuelan Government
The two determinations are mutually exclusive; it is legally impossible to maintain both simultaneously.
Memorandum for Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Committed Against Ukraine
James Goldston and Esti Tambay present their organization's work, a Memorandum supporting efforts to hold officials accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Israel’s Obligations Towards UNRWA and Other International Organizations in the Occupied Territories: Key Issues
Unpacking the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Israel's obligations towards the UN and others to provide humanitarian aid in the West Bank and Gaza.
As Europe Rearms, Learn from the Pentagon’s Efforts to Modernize Civilian Protection
European militaries can adapt and operationalize civilian protection as they increase defense spending to protect themselves against Russia.