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
Why the Arms Trade Treaty Matters – and Why It Matters That the US Is Walking Away
President Donald Trump's decision to "withdraw" from the Arms Trade Treaty is based on a clear misconception of what the treaty is and what it does. To better understand the gravity…
Elisions and Omissions: Questioning the ICC’s Latest Bashir Immunity Ruling
A close analysis of the ICC Appeals Chamber's reasoning in the Bashir immunity case raises serious questions about its conclusions on the difference between national and international…
A Confusing ICC Appeals Judgment on Head-of-State Immunity
The outcome of the decision is not a surprise - but its implications for the immunity of senior officials of states that do not belong to the ICC, even beyond cases in which there…
Palestinians Claim Violations by Israeli Settlers in Airbnb Case in U.S. Court
In March, two Palestinian-Americans and two Palestinian villages moved to intervene in a suit brought against Airbnb, a global home-rental online platform, in federal court in…
For the Military Commissions, a Fork in the Road on Torture
“It’s time for everyone to admit that the Guantanamo military commissions have failed.” That’s what Steve Vladeck wrote last month in a characteristically excellent post discussing…
Preview of the International Criminal Court Appeals Judgment on Al-Bashir and Head of State Immunity
Three weeks ago, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber announced that on May 6 it would issue its judgment on whether President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan was entitled…
The Pentagon’s 2018 Civilian Casualties Report: What’s In It and What’s Next
The Pentagon’s latest annual report, released this morning, lists shockingly low numbers of "credible" civilian casualties. It also illustrated the need for better processes…
New Pentagon Report Significantly Undercounts Civilian Casualties
The latest annual report was on time and included more details than it had in the past, thanks to additional congressional requirements. But it still significantly undercounts…
After Bashir, Sudanese People Continue Fight for Democracy and Accountability
The African Union's three-month extension for Sudan's military to hand over to a civilian government might give the protesters time to plan for the country's future. But it also…
Gutting the Substance of a Security Council Resolution on Sexual Violence
The United States has abandoned any meaningful commitment to victims and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, in the interest of appeasing domestic anti-abortion constituencies.…
Deconstructing the Int’l Criminal Court’s Decision on Afghanistan
The decision of the International Criminal Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber II refusing to open an investigation into crimes committed in Afghanistan establishes a new Rome Statute…
Smart Justice in Sudan: For Bashir’s Crimes, Is the ICC Still the Best Route?
A remarkable transition is underway in Sudan. After months of protests, Omar Al Bashir’s autocratic regime finally collapsed this month. It is, of course, quite ironic that Bashir,…