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.
3,769 Articles
Big Shoulders — How the US Can Remedy Its Failures on Refugee Admissions
Despite its size and wealth, America consistently fails to do its part in upholding the terms of an international convention it helped create.
Stopping Torture: Why Professional Governance Failed, and How It Can Do Better
Professionals -- psychologists, physicians, lawyers -- played key parts in enabling post-9/11 torture programs. Yet professionalism can also constrain state power. Gregg Bloche…
Ukraine’s Pandemic-Era Obligations to Civilians in Crimea and Donbas Under Humanitarian Law
Russia is not the sole State with such responsibilities. As the displaced sovereign, Ukraine retains certain residual obligations towards its citizens.
Trump’s Secret Rules for Drone Strikes and Presidents’ Unchecked License to Kill
FOIA lawsuit obtains Trump administration's playbook. Hina Shamsi writes about the broader lessons for secret presidential powers.
A Letter to President Biden from a Former Intelligence Officer: Close Guantanamo Bay
There is shame in the knowing. There is greater shame in knowing, and doing nothing. Mr. President, you can do something. End this horrible era of American history.
Do Economic Sanctions in Response to Gross Human Rights Abuses Do Any Good?
Sanctions on both Myanmar and China, for example, can have an impact in mitigating abuses, albeit in different ways.
At 100 Days, Grading Biden’s Progress Toward a More Responsible US Arms Trade Policy
As we near the 100-day mark of this administration, and with the president delivering a “State of the Union”-like address this evening, now is a good moment to assess its arms…
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.