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.
3,788 Articles
Opportunity Missed: New Zealand Defense Force’s Order on Civilian Harm in Wartime
On Feb. 11, 2021, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) announced new rules on responding to civilian harm. Defence Force Order 35 (DFO 35) introduces NZDF-wide procedures for responding…
Why Biden Needs to Rescind Trump’s ICC Sanctions Now
A deadline looms in the case challenging executive order 13928, which imposed sanctions against the ICC. Will the Biden administration defend the former administration’s reckless…
On Functional Immunity of Foreign Officials and Crimes under International Law
Landmark judgment by Germany’s top criminal court on foreign officials' lack of immunity in war crimes trials. Analysis by renowned scholar, Professor Claus Kress.
An Alternative to Impeachment: New Bill Helps Enforce Accountability for Capitol Riots
Experts explain how a new bill in Congress helps enforce accountability for federal officials who enabled the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
To Combat Central America’s Bad Governance, Biden Can’t Just Throw Money at the Problem
The $4 billion in US aid will have to be carefully managed, and could be leveraged to combat the corruption and impunity that drives so many to migrate.
Spotlight on Sri Lanka as UN Human Rights Council Prepares Next Session
Concerns over impunity and a troubling decline in human rights will be prominent, with a long-awaited report by the UN high commissioner for human rights.
UN Human Rights Council Outlines Sri Lanka Abuses, But Demurs on Action
It’s not the robust independent mechanism victims campaigned for, or the referral to the ICC that they deserve, but it is a potential path to justice.
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…