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.
3,765 Articles
Suspend Your Judgment? The Role of International Courts in Ending Wars
When international courts intervene in active wars, they must contend with how (and whether) they can contribute to ending wars and shape the post-war aftermath.
Governments Need to Disrupt the Business of War Crimes: And No, Sanctions Are Not Enough
If governments are serious about accountability for atrocities, they must start following the money and treating international crimes like the big business they are.
A Legal Black Hole: Does Iraq Have the Right to Detain Prisoners Transferred from Syria?
The Global Coalition Against Daesh faces legal and moral strain over mass detainee transfers from Syria to Iraq, testing international law and policy.
When the Warning Bells Ring: Judicial Awareness in War
By heeding the warning bells and embracing a do‑no‑harm principle, international courts can denounce abuse while preserving the credibility of international justice.
The Just Security Podcast: What Does it Really Mean to be a U.S. Territory?
Neil Weare and Adi Martínez-Román join Tess Bridgeman to explore democracy, equity, and self-determination in U.S. territories and beyond.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Securing Justice for Cyber-Enabled International Crimes
A new ICC policy provides a valuable framework for the investigation of cyber-enabled international crimes.