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.
3,695 Articles

Repatriating Foreign Fighters from Syria: International Law and Political Will (Part 2)
The detention conundrum: States rely on non-state groups for counterterrorism operations, but they are simultaneously reluctant to accept the return of terrorists captured and…

The U.S.-Taliban Agreement: Not a Ceasefire, or a Peace Agreement, and Other International Law Issues
Beatrice Walton explains the continuing lack of clarity concerning the terms of the recent Afghan peace deal and its potential effects moving forward.

Former Officials Challenge Pompeo’s Threats to the International Criminal Court
A statement by former U.S. Ambassadors for War Crimes and U.S. Chief Prosecutors.

Repatriating Foreign Fighters from Syria: International Law and Political Will (Part 1)
Does international law require States to repatriate their foreign fighters?

The “Interests of Justice” at the ICC: A Continuing Mystery
David Luban explains how the ICC Appeals Chamber missed an opportunity to clarify what "interests of justice" the Prosecutor must consider in authorizing an investigation in the…

The Trump Administration’s Latest (Failed) Attempt to Justify the Soleimani Strike
Two months after killing Qassem Soleimani, the Trump administration still hasn’t gotten its story straight. On January 3rd, the day of the operation, and for the next 10 days,…

The Soleimani Strike and the Case for War Powers Reform
With passage of historic war powers legislation on Iran, a leading authority homes in on what deep reform of the war powers should look like.

The Defense Department’s Measured Take on International Law in Cyberspace
A close reading of the Defense Department's statement on cyber by top expert, comparing it to positions of Australia, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom and others.

Balancing Syria Advocacy and Witness Safety: Have We Lost Sight?
Groups documenting war crimes and other violations must revisit their methods of evidence collection and improve compliance with “do no harm” principles.

The Benefits (and Drawbacks) of the UN Database on Businesses Contributing to Israeli Settlements
The United Nations Human Rights Council released a controversial database of 112 businesses engaged in activities associated with Israeli settlements on February 12. Although the…

War in Space: How International Humanitarian Law Might Apply
(Editor’s Note: The absence of a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework for military operations in outer space represents a troubling deficiency in the understanding of…

Preventing and Responding to Civilian Casualties: An Upcoming Discussion on Law, Policy, and Progress
Civilian casualties are inevitable in armed conflict. Nonetheless, international law requires armed forces to distinguish between civilians and lawful military objectives, and…