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
Protecting the Information Space in Times of Armed Conflict
What, if any, limits exist concerning digital information operations in armed conflict? Does the humanitarian legal framework adequately capture the protection needs that arise…
Truth, Justice, and the Narrative in International Criminal Law
International courts are inherently expressive: they provide a platform for a multitude of narratives. But recently, some prosecutorial narratives have begun to dominate in International…
Put Yemen’s Civil Society – and Accountability — at the Center of the Push for Peace
Restoring US leadership and values on Yemen requires more than to stop selling bombs to the Saudis. Yemenis need the chance to confront impunity.
Sri Lanka’s Evasion of Accountability Tests the Limits of the International Human Rights System
Twelve years of failed justice must trigger an honest debate on the ability of these mechanisms to prevent violations and deal with historical atrocities.
Legal Questions (and Some Answers) Concerning the U.S. Military Strike in Syria
Unpacking the right of self-defense under international law when it comes to use of force in response to a series of attacks.
National Security Last Week at the United Nations (Feb. 19-26)
Increasing violence against civilians in South Sudan, Somalia; IAEA reaches temporary deal with Iran; human rights experts urge accountability at Guantanamo Bay. This and more…
Biden’s First Strike and the International Law of Self-Defense
The U.S. airstrikes taken on Friday in Syria almost certainly violated international law, for two basic reasons.
Kunduz Airstrike Before European Court of Human Rights: Future of Jurisdiction and Duty to Investigate
The future of European Human Rights Court's jurisdiction and the future of States' duty to investigate civilian casualties in wartime.
KBR v. SFO: the United Kingdom’s Microsoft Ireland?
U.K. law enforcement agencies lack power to compel foreign companies to hand over overseas data. What does the decision mean for data sharing?
Shooting Ourselves in the Foot: Even Democratic Nations Are Undermining the International Justice System
The biggest winners of a weakened international justice system are the many authoritarian and dictatorial leaders in the world.
Intersecting Religious and Gender-Based Persecution in Yazidi Genocide Case: A Request for an Extension of Charges
The self-described Islamic State (IS) is publicly accused of having committed, in addition to genocide and war crimes, crimes against humanity and persecution on the basis of religion…
Universal Jurisdiction — the Most Difficult Path to Achieve Justice for Sri Lanka
The record shows that, if this is the only feasible route to accountability for now, countries will require additional support at the UN level to achieve accountability.