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.
3,511 Articles
It’s Never Too Late to Say “I’m Sorry”: Sovereign Apologies Over the Years
What does it mean for a State to apologize for its harmful policies, violations, or mistakes? What distinguishes a genuine apology from a hollow one? An analysis and catalogue…
Legally Sliding into War
"We need to grapple with the legal mechanisms through which presidential administration after administration has legally justified escalating, elongating, and expanding conflicts…
Flexible Partnerships Can Help Make NATO Fit for Purpose
As the US focuses more on domestic issues and challenges in the Asia-Pacific, other members and European partners will need to step up..
Germany’s Positions on International Law in Cyberspace Part II
Germany issues major statement on use of force and International Humanitarian Law in cyberspace, analyzed here by leading expert Professor Michael Schmitt.
Why We Prosecute Wartime Misconduct
President Trump never pardoned Robert Bales, despite a strong push to do so. Any clemency for him would have resulted in manifest injustice to not just Bales’ victims, but to…
Iraq’s Legal Responsibility for Militia Attacks on U.S. Forces: Paths Forward
"While Iran has significant control over the militias, Iraq also bears legal responsibility for illegal militia attacks against the coalition. This is because the militias, despite…
“Red Lines” in Beirut Blast Investigation: How Exactly Lebanese Politicians Escape Accountability
The effort to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for last summer's deadly explosion in Beirut reveals the convoluted system of impunity constructed by the Lebanese…
Germany’s Positions on International Law in Cyberspace Part I
Germany issues major statement on cyberspace and international law, analyzed here by leading expert Professor Michael Schmitt.
Decolonizing the ICC: The Situation in Palestine and Beyond
On Feb. 5, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber ruled that the ICC has jurisdiction over the Palestine situation. Here's why the apparently narrow and formalistic ruling offers hope for decolonizing…
Knowns and Unknowns of US Syria Strike: Looming Int’l and Domestic Law Issues
Key legal questions that remain unanswered about the legality of the Syria strike under domestic and international law.
National Security This Week at the United Nations (Feb 26-March 5)
Myanmar coup may be on Security Council agenda; ICC opens investigation on Palestine; COVAX delivers vaccine in Africa; and more in the weekly roundup.
UN Should Suspend Sri Lanka from Peacekeeping Over Human Rights Abuses
The government has failed in its international obligations to investigate and prosecute crimes, and has promoted alleged war criminals to high levels.