Terrorism & Violent Extremism

Just Security provides expert legal and policy analysis of terrorism, counterterrorism, and domestic and international violent extremism.

Highlights:

In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency on June 18, 2026, vessels are seen anchored in Bandar Abbas along the Strait of Hormuz.

Expert Q&A: Decoding the Treasury Department’s Actions on Iran

How to understand the Treasury Department's sanctions relief for Iran's oil sector, its quick reversal, and what to look for going forward.
The first order of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, issued by its Chief Judge Joan Ericksen, on July 16, 2026.

The Alien Terrorist Removal Court’s First Case

Unpacking the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, what we know about its first case, and what to watch for going forward.

Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers, Operation Southern Spear, Operation Absolute Resolve

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.
U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.

No, Trump Can’t Withhold Anti-Terrorism Funds to Pressure States to Change Their Election Rules

The attempt to condition states' counterterrorism funding on changes to election rules is unlawful and likely to be challenged in court.
Security cameras are seen in the foreground as the United States national flag flies at the U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou on July 14, 2026, in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.

AI and Warrantless Foreign Intelligence Surveillance

The use of LLMs for foreign intelligence surveillance erodes the rules put in place to safeguard Americans' civil liberties.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stands before an American Flag backdrop.

The Dangers of Florida’s New “Terrorist” Designations

Anyone who cares about the First Amendment should be concerned about HB 1471 and the spread of state-level terrorism designation laws.
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2,267 Articles
Two riders on a motorcycle ride from the right of the image to the left, in front of a monument depicting the silhouettes of soldiers in berets, rifles resting against their shoulders, marching from right to left, with one soldier in front holding a flag, also in silhouette, all against a backdrop of a wall painted in wide vertical swaths of green, yellow and red. At the left of the image, in front of the soldier holding the flag, a street vendor displays a large board of indeterminate goods.

Could the United States Make a Difference in Mali?

Washington cannot afford to neglect the lessons of past Sahelian counterinsurgency efforts as it contemplates what form a partnership with Mali’s military should take.
Youths gather in front of a burning barricade on Duncairn Gardens on June 9, 2026 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s Racist Violence Has a Familiar Playbook

In Northern Ireland, a horrific crime is being manipulated to justify racist violence and the targeting of migrants.
A view of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, on October 24, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel.

The New October 7 Tribunal and the Legitimacy Challenge of Atrocity Adjudication

The tribunal will be judged not only by the verdicts it produces, but by the institutional model of accountability it leaves behind.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks alongside US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and US President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 27, 2026. (Photo by Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)

The Pretext Behind the Trump Administration Labeling Cuba a State Sponsor of Terrorism

Cuba is not a state sponsor of terrorism. Its inclusion on the list reflects changing U.S. policy and the Trump administration's politicization of the "terrorist" designation.
Two soldiers in the foreground wearing fatigues and olive green caps place flags in front of each of the small, white headstones lined up along the green spring grass under leafy trees at Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia.

To Memorialize the Fallen, Renew the Pursuit of Peace

This Memorial Day, to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in war, Americans should consider how to help mold a more peaceful future at home and abroad.

How the Domestic Terrorist Label Endangers Rights and Drives Extremist Violence

Prepared congressional testimony for a Senate hearing that was postponed.

Collection: Counterextremism and Counterterrorism Initiative

Introducing Just Security's new Collection on the evolving threats of violent extremism and terrorism.

The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part V

Tess Bridgeman and Rachel Goldbrenner are joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to examine escalating U.S. strikes on suspected drug traffickers.
Backside of an officer, wearing a vest that reads: "POLICE COUNTERTERRORISM."

The U.S. Shouldn’t Lose Sight of the Real Terrorist Threats

As the Trump administration portrays far-left activists and drug cartels as major terrorist threats, the most dangerous foes are plotting.
A column of black smoke rises above buildings as traffic, mostly motorcycles, pass in the foreground.

Insurgent Offensive in Mali Exposes the Deficiencies of Junta-led Security in the Sahel

Recent militant attacks that killed Mali's defense minister challenge the proposition of the region's juntas that Russia could be a better security partner than the West.
Armed Secret Service agents stand on stage

To Counter Rising Political Violence, America Needs to Reinforce Its Early Warning Infrastructure

Stakeholders must reinforce U.S. monitoring and response infrastructure to address growing risks of political violence.
Zouev looks on from left as Gherman speaks, both sitting at a desk behind name plates and in front of other officials, some of them wearing translation headsets.

In the U.N.’s Counterterrorism Strategy Review, the Imperative of Global South Civil Society Participation

As the counterterrorism strategy review unfolds, the U.N., member states, and NGOs should take action to deepen civil society’s role, especially from the Global South.
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