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:
Attacking Drug Cartels in the Territory of Another State
The U.S. operations conducted to date against suspected members of drug cartels stretch the applicable international law rules and their interpretation beyond recognition.
Embedded Human Judgment in the Age of Autonomous Weapons
A new framework for autonomous weapons shows that real control depends on embedded human judgment across design, command, and operation.
Some Questions About Trump’s Order Pledging to Defend Qatar’s Security
Trump's Executive Order on Qatar raises a number of important legal and policy questions that merit careful consideration by Congress and the public.
A New Approach in the Fight Against Transnational Violent Extremism is Needed
If the U.S. and foreign partners could strategically deploy their counterterrorism programs to deliberately target a common enemy, all would mutually benefit.
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part II — What We Know about U.S. Vessel Strikes One Month In
Tess Bridgeman and Rachel Goldbrenner are joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to analyze the facts, the law, and implications of U.S. killings in the Caribbean.
Governing AI Agents Globally: The Role of International Law, Norms and Accountability Mechanisms
Stakeholders must creatively leverage existing legal and normative tools to ensure AI agents serve humanity — not destabilize it.
3,492 Articles
Crisis as Catalyst in International Law
On its 80th anniversary, the U.N. is undertaking much-needed reform. Despite pressures, it continues to be one of the world’s most important and impactful institutions.
Attacks on Nature, Atrocities Against People: The Case for Environmental Harm as a 12th Crime Against Humanity
Addressing the global environmental crisis requires urgent action, and this new treaty offers States an unprecedented opportunity to confront it directly and decisively.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s War with the Rules of Engagement
Hegseth’s attack on the ROE demonstrates a dangerously limited – and legally incorrect – view about these rules and what they are for.
Russia’s Eliminationist Rhetoric Against Ukraine: A Collection
Updated: Key words, phrases, and themes appear to express intent to eliminate Ukraine or Ukrainians as a nation-state, people, or culture.
The Rome Statute in the Digital Age: Confronting Emerging Cyber Threats
For the Rome Statute to remain relevant, practitioners must understand how governments can deploy spyware to commit international crimes.
What the Senate Judiciary Committee Should Ask A.G. Bondi on Drug Cartel Strikes
Annotated questions Congress should be asking about U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.
Legal Flaws in the Trump Administration’s Notice to Congress on “Armed Conflict” with Drug Cartels
The Trump administration’s “armed conflict” justification, however, is groundless.
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.
Balancing the Scales: Survivors’ Needs and Rights and Criminal Accountability in Ukraine
Providing options and support for victims of sexual and gender-based violence can help survivors see themselves as part of a larger movement toward accountability and healing.
Legally Available Options in Response to Russia’s Penetrations of NATO Airspace
"International law, in its wisdom, makes such options legally available."
Xi’s Climate Announcement: A Disappointment, Not a Breakthrough
China’s climate announcement — coupled with the U.S. withdrawal — has alarmed many in terms of the viability of the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal.
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.