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.

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3,736 Articles
Screenshot of the OLC Memo

The OLC Maduro Memorandum: Assisting in War Sustaining Activities is Not Direct Participation in Hostilities

A troubling OLC memo claims civilians aiding “war-sustaining activities” can be lawfully targeted—an unsupported interpretation that weakens civilian safeguards.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures while walking away from the International Criminal Court building in The Hague during his first visit to the Netherlands on May 4, 2023.

Assessing the ICC’s Impact in Ukraine

An analysis of the ICC’s warrants against Putin and Lvova-Belova, exploring their real impact on diplomacy, deterrence, and justice in Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing

Five War Powers Takeaways from the Senate’s Venezuela Hearing

The Senate's hearing with Rubio offered little solace to those concerned about the use of force against Venezuela.
3D rendering of the scales of justice and a wooden gavel on a desk (via Getty Images).

International Criminal Court Intervention in Civil Wars: A Tradeoff Between Atrocity Prevention and Peace

Although ICC intervention does appear to deter atrocities, on balance, its involvement in ongoing civil wars fails to facilitate peaceful settlement in most cases.
A woman looking towards the camera gestures to a woman standing in front of her across a desk in a room of similar desks, some arranged in a circle, where others are sitting and standing, apparently during a convening in a meeting room. On the desk is a lighted screen that says "Older Persons Day."

How Can a New International Treaty Address Older Persons’ Decision-Making Rights?

UN treaty talks on older persons’ rights must reconcile dementia-related risks, fragmented legal regimes, and disability-related reforms to ensure autonomy and protection.
A blue banner reads "#UNGA80" in large letters, and below that, it says, "At 80, the UN is upgrading to meet the moment."

The Results of UN80: Reform or Decline?

UN80’s promise of renewal risks fading into bureaucracy. The United Nations must reform honestly, protect its mission, and adapt to survive amid resurgent power politics.
Visualization of digital justice

Securing Justice for Cyber-Enabled International Crimes

A new ICC policy provides a valuable framework for the investigation of cyber-enabled international crimes.
Map of the US's Exclusive Economic Area, including Navassa Island but not Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank.(via WikiCommons)

How Greenland’s Relationship with Denmark Exposes the Shortcomings of Being a “U.S. Territory”

The relationship between the U.S. and its island territories should concern anyone who believes in the “consent of the governed” and the idea of “all created equal."
A hand points at a futuristic digital map

The Third Summit on Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM)

The Third REAIM Summit will provide a unique forum for industry, academia, and policy experts to discuss AI in the military domain with governments and militaries.
The US Navy warship USS Sampson (DDG 102) docks at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City on September 02, 2025. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on September 1, 2025, that eight US military vessels with 1,200 missiles were targeting his country, which he declared to be in a state of "maximum readiness to defend" itself. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Arbitrary Killings or War Crimes? Why It Matters How the U.S. Strikes in the Caribbean Are Categorized

Analysis of U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and the legal consequences of classifying them as arbitrary killings or war crimes under international law.
Denmark's Veterans hold Denmark and Greenland's flags.

Greenland Post-Davos: Enforcing 22 USC 1928f to Save NATO and Contain Trump’s Lawless Foreign Policy

In his threats against Greenland, President Trump has violated the U.N. Charter, the North Atlantic Treaty, and Section 1928f, prompting Congress to take swift action.
Close-up of a bronze Lady Justice statue holding balanced scales in front of a blurred modern office background, symbolizing fairness and the law.

International Human Rights and Criminal Courts and the End of War

The relationship between international courts and States shapes how they provide accountability, build peace, and respond to backlash.
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