Terrorism & Violent Extremism

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

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2,228 Articles

The January 6th Hearings: Criminal Evidence Tracker – Trump Subpoena Edition

Tracking two federal crimes and one Georgia state crime, with evidence presented by the House Select Committee investigating January 6th.
Indian Dalit rights activists, intellectuals, and journalists shout slogans against the police raid and illegal arrest of human right activists under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) during a protest in New Delhi on August 29, 2018. A yellow banner reads, "Citizens protest against the police raids and illegal arrest of human rights activists." Indian police had arrested prominent lawyers and left-wing activists on August 28 for alleged links to Maoist rebels, drawing a rebuke from rights watchdogs who labelled the raids a "massive crackdown" on government critics. (Photo credit should read PRAKASH SINGH/AFP via Getty Images)

India’s Abuses at Home Raise Concerns About Its Global Counterterrorism Role

It is hosting a special meeting of the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, which it chairs, even amid internal repression.

Ending Perpetual War

With the threat of terrorism receding, the Biden administration should seize the moment and illuminate a path back to peace.
Somali soldiers enter Sanguuni military base, where an American special operations soldier was killed by a mortar attack on June 8, about 450 km south of Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 13, 2018

What the White House Use of Force Policy Means for the War in Somalia

In principle, the new policy tightens safeguards for airstrikes and special operation raids. But it contains loopholes that will likely allow business as usual for USAFRICOM in…
The sun shines through a giant rainbow pride flag showing orange, yellow, green, and purple colors. People are carrying the flag through the street.

Violence Against Transgender People is on the Rise, Stopping it Requires a Holistic Solution

Responding to anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ violence requires support the leaders and organizations building safe communities and networks of safety.
A military drone replica is displayed in front of the White House during a protest against drone strikes on January 12, 2019 in Washington, DC.

The Biden Drone Playbook: The Elusive Promise of Restrained Counterterrorism

The new policy guidance on direct action is welcome, but more work is needed to fulfill the promise of restrained counterterrorism.

Why the US Still Can’t Have It All: Biden’s National Security Strategy

The administration risks leaving the US overcommitted and overextended during a period of substantial shifts in the global balance of power.
People in black hoods and orange jumpsuits walk in front of US Capitol Building

Russian Torture and American (Selective) Memory

"No nation ever has and no nation ever will . . . torture their way to security."
A US Predator unmanned drone armed with a missile stands on the tarmac of Kandahar military airport on June 13, 2010.

Biden’s New Counterterrorism Policy Guidance Further Entrenches the Forever War

Biden's classified policy memorandum on counterterrorism drone strikes is just one more stepping stone in the long path of the forever war.
Graffiti showing a US drone is depicted on a wall to protest against US drone strikes on September 19, 2018 in Sana'a, Yemen.

Assessing Biden’s New Policy Framework for Counterterrorism Direct Action

Biden's new counterterrorism framework is consistent with policy efforts to dial back the war on terror.
Rubble lies on the floor near the site of a recent Al Shabab attack on the Hayat Hotel, seen through the window of an armoured car on September 4, 2022 in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Bombing for Peace in Somalia? Time for a Different Approach

The path to peace in Somalia cannot rest on counterterrorism operations alone.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) (R-SC) listens as Sen. Richard Blumenthal (L) (D-CT) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. Blumenthal and Graham introduced a Senate resolution affirming that the Senate views the actions of the Russian Federation, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, as sponsoring acts of terrorism, and calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

How Congress Should Designate Russia a State Sponsor of Terrorism

A better approach would be for Congress to impose additional targeted sanctions on Russia, but not through the one-size-fits-all state sponsor of terrorism designation.
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