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
Adding AI to Autonomous Weapons Increases Risks to Civilians in Armed Conflict
A new report from the National Security Commission on AI advocated for the use of AI but also highlighted key risks posed by AI-enabled and autonomous weapons, particularly the…
Self-Defense Against Non-State Actors: All Over the Map
Insights from UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting
Changing the Narrative on Atrocity Prevention
If the story about atrocity prevention could be reframed so as to categorize it as a “hard” national security objective, it might be possible to help move the issue of atrocity…
Ethiopia, Take a Lesson from Sudan and Stop the War in Tigray
Ethiopia need only look to Sudan to realize what’s at stake for the country and its people and to understand the consequences of history repeating itself.
Fixing “Material Support” — Lessons from the Houthi Terror Designation
Reversing the Trump administration's disastrous designation was a good first step - but the US must address fundamental flaws in the material support statutes to ensure continued…
Turtle Island Project: Prose Meets Policy for Stronger U.S. National Security
For too long, America has told only a narrow slice of its national story through its public monuments, memorials, and museums. Adom Cooper argues it's time to tell a bigger story.…
When War Criminals Run the Government: Not Too Late for the International Community to Vet Sri Lankan Officials
Developing such a list of individuals would signal to survivors some measure of recognition of the atrocities they have suffered.
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…