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.
3,510 Articles

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: “In Accordance with the Law” – How the Military Perverts Rule of Law to Oppress Civilians
The Tatmadaw have used the concept of "law" to justify both arbitrary violence against anti-coup protestors and the coup itself. But what would true "rule of law" mean in Myanmar?

Indian Supreme Court’s Stance on the Deportation of Rohingya Refugees Violates International Law
The Indian Supreme Court’s refusal to implement its international law obligations has dented the hopes of thousands of Rohingyas who continue to seek refuge in India.

Recognizing the Armenian Genocide Marks a Historic Turning Point in American Foreign Policy
In a significant break with his predecessors, President Joe Biden formally recognized the Armenian Genocide on April 24, the annual day of remembrance for the massacres.

National Security This Week at the United Nations (April 16-23)
Guilty Verdict in Derek Chauvin’s Trial in the Killing of George Floyd Welcomed by U.N. On April 20, Derek Chauvin, a White former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted…

Biden Approach to Immigration, Outlined at UN Human Rights Council, Leaves Serious Gaps
The administration has the authority to protect people and comply with international law and best practices. That requires concrete steps immediately.

A Drop in the Ocean: A Preliminary Assessment of the Koblenz Trial on Syrian Torture
April 23 marks one year since the start of the Syrian torture trial in Koblenz, Germany. It has already offered some preliminary lessons for future “universal jurisdiction”…

Belarus Jailing of Journalists for Reporting on Peaceful Protest Violates International Law
An appeal hearing in Minsk offers a chance for the court to rectify an injustice that illustrates how reporters have been targeted for abuse..

An Opportunity for Congress to Require Transparency of the Executive’s International Agreements
The newly introduced bipartisan legislation would constitute the most significant improvement in the transparency of international agreements since the enactment of the Case Act…

Biden Team’s Litigation Tactics on Guantanamo Undercut Biden Policy to Close the Prison
The administration's new moves before Supreme Court raise questions about whether it will more broadly decline to use straightforward tools to close Guantanamo and end indefinite…

Federal Agencies Face April Deadline on Secret JFK Files
Congress has mandated that agencies update the public on thousands of files related to the JFK assassination by April 26. Previous disclosures have been incomplete. Will agencies…

Combating Transnational Authoritarian Kleptocracy: Cracking Down on Western Professional Enablers
Effectively battling corruption and human rights abuses requires the tools provided by the Global Magnitsky Act - including the ability to target those who aid money laundering.…

Why Must Central American Asylum Seekers Risk Their Lives to Reach the US? There is an Alternative.
Cold War politics continues to shut out Guatemalans, Hondurans, and Salvadorans from the US Refugee Admissions Program. That needs to change.