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.
3,503 Articles
A Presidential Proclamation to End the Iraq War: Unilateral Executive Action to Defang a Zombie AUMF
President Biden should proclaim the conflict authorized by the 2002 resolution to be over and determine that it is no longer “necessary and appropriate” to use force for the…
Unforced Error: Article 124 and the Regrettable Caveat to Ukraine’s Proposed Ratification of the ICC Statute
Invoking an exception to the ICC's jurisdiction would not only be a regression from Ukraine's otherwise commendable engagement with international law, it would also contradict…
Revoking the 9/11 Plea Deals: Human Rights Consequences
Defense Secretary Austin's decision to discard the 9/11 plea deals at the Guantanamo military commissions is a missed opportunity for the United States to achieve a rule of law-compliant…
What’s in a Bag? The Lawfulness of X-raying the Diplomatic Pouch in International Law
Is it lawful for a State to subject a foreign diplomatic pouch to X-raying or scanning to ensure that it is not used for illicit purposes?
Breaking the Deadlock: New Talks Needed to Help End Sudan’s Violence and Offer a Glimmer of Hope
Unless parties are willing to come to the table, there is no pathway from war toward restoring civilian rule and a democratic transition.
An ICC Complementarity Policy at Last: Can the Prosecutor Walk the Talk?
A close analysis suggests that the ICC Prosecutor's new vision of complementarity is informed by his practice-driven and pragmatic approach to engagement with States.
A New ICC Policy on Complementarity? Let’s Fast Forward to Universal Jurisdiction Allocation
On the heels of the ICC Policy on Complementarity and Cooperation, national prosecutorial authorities should think about UJ allocation and coordination.
The Year(s) of Magical Thinking on Sudan
Three fallacies have dominated -- and damaged-- US diplomacy in the current war and the lead-up to it.
The State Department’s Wrong Decision to Exempt IDF Unit from Leahy Law Ineligibility
Former State Department official critically analyzes State Department's decision to drop Netzah Yehuda unit from Leahy Law sanctions.
Justice for Trans-border Torture Requires Rethinking the International Criminal Court’s Jurisdiction in the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Recognizing the transnational nature of these alleged crimes, the ICC could potentially bridge the artificial divide between Gaza and Israel.
Train Wreck at Guantánamo
Leading expert on military justice analyzes the extraordinary turn of events in on again, off again plea deals in 9/11 military commissions cases, and what should happen next.
Israel’s ‘War on Terror’ and the Legal and Security Imperative to Comply with International Law
Israel should embrace a more targeted counterterrorism strategy that complies with international law and facilitates greater security.