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.
3,523 Articles

11 Takeaways from Senate Hearing on Expanding War Crimes Act and a Crimes Against Humanity Statute
Bipartisan hearing with takeaways for Ukraine War, International Criminal Court, war crimes and torture prosecutions and more.

The United Nations in Hindsight: The Long and Winding Road to Security Council Reform
The UN Security Council's inability to address Russia's war against Ukraine has generated renewed interest in ideas for Security Council reform -- but "the path to reform may be…

In Weaponizing Asylum Seekers, DeSantis & Abbott Unwittingly Demonstrate the Possibility of Safe Transit Policies for Migrants
Ironically, the governors' actions show that the US could implement policies that better reflect the realities of migration - by treating migrants has human beings rather than…

Dealing with Putin’s Nuclear Blackmail
The risk cannot be dismissed, but giving in to his threats in his war on Ukraine would create a precedent that he likely would use elsewhere.

Bombing for Peace in Somalia? Time for a Different Approach
The path to peace in Somalia cannot rest on counterterrorism operations alone.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Committed Against Ukraine (Part IV)
Discussing details for an international tribunal for aggression against Ukraine including outreach, victim participation, and more.

US Intervention in Ukraine v. Russia at the ICJ: A Q&A with Chimène Keitner
"The recent flurry of interventions shows that the ICJ proceeding continues to serve as a rallying point for Ukraine’s supporters."

Mobilized to Commit War Crimes?
As Russia mobilizes its troops against Ukraine, States must review the asylum claims of those who desert, surrender, or flee conscription.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Committed Against Ukraine
Discussing details for an international tribunal for aggression against Ukraine including outreach, victim participation, and more.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (Part III)
Rules of procedure and evidence; how many to prosecute; rights of accused; double jeopardy (non bis in idem); amnesty; immunity; penalties.

Q&A on Russia-Backed Referendums in Eastern Ukraine and International Law
"There is simply no legal route through which a referendum can take place unilaterally without the consent of the territorial state."

How Biden Can Bring Detained Americans in Iran Home
This week, the Biden administration agreed to swap Afghan drug lord Bashir Noorzai for the freedom of U.S. citizen Mark Frerichs, who the Taliban held in captivity for the last…