Military
Highlights:
Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers
Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.
Irreconcilable Presidential Determinations: On Tren de Aragua and the Venezuelan Government
The two determinations are mutually exclusive; it is legally impossible to maintain both simultaneously.
The Supreme Court: the Last Defense Against Trump’s Military Police State
The Supreme Court must not shirk its obligation to ensure that presidents cannot conscript the military in an effort to undermine democracy.
The Caribbean Strikes and the Collapse of Legal Oversight in U.S. Military Operations
Congress and the public must do more to address the dangerous pressures imposed on servicemembers and defend the guardrails that protect both U.S. forces and democracy.
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part III
Tess Bridgeman is joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to assess the latest strikes, the brief detention of two survivors, where the campaign may be headed, and what…
Attacking Drug Cartels in the Territory of Another State
The U.S. operations conducted to date against suspected members of drug cartels stretch the applicable international law rules and their interpretation beyond recognition.
702 Articles
Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
As Europe Rearms, Learn from the Pentagon’s Efforts to Modernize Civilian Protection
European militaries can adapt and operationalize civilian protection as they increase defense spending to protect themselves against Russia.
Just Security’s Russia–Ukraine War Archive
A catalog of over 100 articles (many with Ukrainian translations) on the Russia Ukraine War -- law, diplomacy, policy options, and more.
Embedded Human Judgment in the Age of Autonomous Weapons
A new framework for autonomous weapons shows that real control depends on embedded human judgment across design, command, and operation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s War with the Rules of Engagement
Hegseth’s attack on the ROE demonstrates a dangerously limited – and legally incorrect – view about these rules and what they are for.
Some Questions About Trump’s Order Pledging to Defend Qatar’s Security
Trump's Executive Order on Qatar raises a number of important legal and policy questions that merit careful consideration by Congress and the public.
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part II — What We Know about U.S. Vessel Strikes One Month In
Tess Bridgeman and Rachel Goldbrenner are joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to analyze the facts, the law, and implications of U.S. killings in the Caribbean.
The Crisis in Uniform: The Danger of Presidential Immunity for the U.S. Military
Military personnel are increasingly alert to the prospect that they may be asked to prioritize loyalty to an individual over their legal rights and responsibilities.
Trump’s Outline of a Domestic War
Former Undersecretary of Navy and Chair of Defense Policy Board discusses import of President Trump's address to active duty military leaders at Quantico.
What the Senate Judiciary Committee Should Ask A.G. Bondi on Drug Cartel Strikes
Annotated questions Congress should be asking about U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.
Legal Flaws in the Trump Administration’s Notice to Congress on “Armed Conflict” with Drug Cartels
The Trump administration’s “armed conflict” justification, however, is groundless.
FAQ for Senior Military Officers at Hegseth’s Quantico Meeting
Military justice expert Eugene Fidell answers crucial questions ahead of next week's senior military meeting with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.