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.
3,737 Articles

Could the Nova Kakhovka Dam Destruction Become the ICC’s First Environmental Crimes Case?
The Nova Kakhovka Dam destruction, already labelled an act of “ecocide” by some, will undoubtedly reinforce calls for the ICC to focus more on environmental crimes and further…

The Sudan Conflict is an Existential Crisis for Refugee Protection in Africa
The African Union and the United Nations refugee protection systems can take active steps to address the problem of displaced people in Sudan now.
Bad for the Goose, Bad for the Gander: Drone Attacks in Russia Underscore Broader Risks
Recent drone attacks in Russia highlight legal and policy risks that must be weighed carefully.

The Outer Space Treaty and Promoting Responsible Use of Space
States should continue to work on confidence building measures in outer space and should ban anti-satellite tests, which are harmful to humankind.

Progress, Resistance, and Silence on Gender Justice in the Draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
Gender must be “on the table” throughout the discussion and eventual negotiation of a treaty on crimes against humanity, and everywhere that States seek to prevent or punish…

Two Experts Debate the Path Forward on Sudan
EJ Hogendoorn and John Prendergast are two leading experts on the conflict in Sudan, but they have different views on the way forward. The dialogue below highlights their ideas…

The ICC’s 2022 Gender Persecution Policy in Context: An Important Next Step Forward
"Including the crime of gender persecution within the Rome Statute constitutes a significant step in the development of international criminal law related to the investigation…

The Lithuanian Case for an International Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine
Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Justice writes about the U.S. approach to creating a tribunal compared to the model supported by Lithuania and others.

Gender Persecution: Why Labels Matter
"If we do not specifically identify and condemn the discriminatory drivers of crimes, what hope do we have of dismantling them as part of our quest for an atrocity-free, more peaceful…

Cluster Munition Convention Offers Roadmap for New Autonomous Weapons Treaty
Proponents of an autonomous weapons systems treaty should look to the Convention on Cluster Munitions' success for guidance and motivation.

Dusting Off the Law Books on the Crime of Gender Persecution
"Now is the time to dust off the law books on the crime of gender persecution and bring justice to survivors and victims who have never in history received full recognition."

The U.N. Process for a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty Has Finally Started. Will It Account for Persons with Disabilities?
The Sixth Committee’s review of a proposed CAH treaty is a critical opportunity to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind.