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.
3,510 Articles

ICC Investigation of Philippines President Duterte Sends Important Signals
It tells other governments that they may not obtain retroactive impunity for their crimes by withdrawing from the ICC treaty.

China, Climate Change, Credibility: Why It’s (Finally) Time for the US to Join the Law of the Sea Convention
The US absence at the table is more perplexing than ever, considering how these issues will define maritime governance in the 21st century.

Impact-Based Jurisdiction and Crimes Against Humanity Statutes Are Needed for Effective Accountability
The answer is to fully enact international criminal law at the national level and to provide for its maximum reach.

Crimes of Omission: Why a UN Treaty on Genocide but Not on Crimes Against Humanity?
It is a matter of historical curiosity, and it's time for the UN to reunite genocide with its genus by concluding a parallel treaty.

Why the UN Needs a Comprehensive “Agenda for Protection”
The UN has repeatedly failed to fulfill its mission to protect civilians. A protection agenda could help it succeed.

Activism and Consequences
A response to Margulies and Azmy.

Striking the Right Balance for a Draft Convention on Crimes against Humanity
A successful treaty will prompt States to adopt stronger national laws and cooperate with each other to stop atrocities.

The Failure of Transitional Justice in Afghanistan: Impunity Turned Into Law
How the international community and domestic power brokers undermined an initiative and sowed another seed of the ultimate collapse.

As the Draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty Moves Forward, a View on How It Relates to the Rome Statute for the ICC
Crimes against humanity is the only international crime not governed by its own treaty. It's time to formally recognize such heinous conduct.

Video: Roads Not Taken – Reflections on the 9/11 Anniversary
Assessing the Work and Impact of U.S. Human Rights Organizations Since the 9/11 Attacks

With America Out of a Major Foreign War, Time to End One at Home
Many of the tragedies and sins associated with failure in the war in Afghanistan could equally apply to the "war on drugs.”

How the UN General Assembly Can Respond to Atrocity Crimes at Its 76th Session
It has played a significant role in preventing and responding to atrocities in the past - it should take five priority actions now.