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.
3,767 Articles

US Arrests Former Syrian Prison Chief – But Will the Charges Prove Equal to His Crimes?
Prosecutors can do more to hold al-Sheikh fully to account under the Torture Act and the Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act.

Azerbaijan’s Aliyev Extends Arbitrary Detentions Even as He Prepares to Host Global Climate Conference COP29
Gubad Ibadoghlu's case represents a trend of falsely imprisoning human rights defenders that casts a shadow on a premier annual gathering.

The ICC’s Use of Evidence Obtained by Torture Sets a Dangerous Precedent
The Court’s recent conviction of Al Hassan undermines the connective tissue binding criminal law to human rights standards.

A Synopsis of ICJ Finding Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territory in Violation of International Law
Israel must end its occupation of Palestinian territory, the International Court of Justice said in an advisory opinion.

Assessing the Civilian and Political Institutions of Armed Non-State Actors under International Law
International law must better understand and account for the realities of civilian life in territory under armed group control.

The State Department’s Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance: How to Make a Good Thing Better
The State Department's Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance process is a good start but changes can improve function and transparency.

Sweeping ICC Sanctions Bill Would Harm Victims, U.S. Interests
After months of warnings, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor announced on May 20 that he was seeking arrest warrants against top Israeli officials and Hamas commanders…

Judge Cannon Finds Special Counsel Unconstitutional in Trump Classified Documents Case: What’s Next for Jack Smith?
Judge Aileen Cannon found that Attorney General Merrick Garland had no power to appoint Jack Smith as a special counsel, dismissing the case.

We Charge Genocide: Redux
What we can name and render cognizable and what we must un-remember and forcefully forget is deeply connected to the numerous atrocities embedded in the international order.

The Just Security Podcast NATO’s Washington Summit: Russia’s War on Ukraine Tests Alliance
Joining the show to discuss this year’s NATO summit and unpack its implications is Ambassador Daniel Fried.

The Undesirable Journey of Vladimir Kara-Murza: Challenging Russia’s Repression
His case and the cause of freedom he pursues highlight the need for greater efforts by Russian civil society and the international community.

War and What We Make of the Law
Compliance with international humanitarian law must be about fulfilling its humanitarian purpose, not skirting its limits.