Terrorism & Violent Extremism
Just Security provides expert legal and policy analysis of terrorism, counterterrorism, and domestic and international violent extremism.
2,268 Articles

The Toxic Confluence Online of Anti-Muslim Literature and Jihadist Messaging
An unusual and concerning detail emerged in a counterterrorism trial in the United Kingdom last month. A British Muslim, Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, was convicted in February of planning…

Guantanamo’s COVID-19 Precautions Must Safeguard Detainees’ Rights
Even if the virus does not reach the detainees, some of the precautions that Guantanamo is taking could at once undermine detainees’ rights, including access to counsel, and…

Negotiating a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a Time of COVID-19
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, and the resulting retreat from public meetings, large gatherings, and office work, States are currently engaged in the 7th biannual review…

Is Pompeo Unintentionally Helping Out the International Criminal Court?
While likely doing little to dissuade those at the ICC and elsewhere who are committed to seeking accountability for the United States’ previous rendition and torture program,…

It’s Time Iraq Accepts Legal Responsibility for Its Iran-Backed Militias
Legal reform of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMFs) would have a more durable effect on these hostile militias than a few US air strikes.

Repatriating Foreign Fighters from Syria: International Law and Political Will (Part 2)
The detention conundrum: States rely on non-state groups for counterterrorism operations, but they are simultaneously reluctant to accept the return of terrorists captured and…

The U.S.-Taliban Agreement: Not a Ceasefire, or a Peace Agreement, and Other International Law Issues
Beatrice Walton explains the continuing lack of clarity concerning the terms of the recent Afghan peace deal and its potential effects moving forward.

Repatriating Foreign Fighters from Syria: International Law and Political Will (Part 1)
Does international law require States to repatriate their foreign fighters?

Lessons Ignored: John Bolton’s Bogus Defense of “Streamlining” Away Our Bio-Readiness
Former director of USAID’s Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance won't let John Bolton rewrite history. "What undermines public confidence ... is the administration’s own…

The Trump Administration’s Latest (Failed) Attempt to Justify the Soleimani Strike
Two months after killing Qassem Soleimani, the Trump administration still hasn’t gotten its story straight. On January 3rd, the day of the operation, and for the next 10 days,…

The Soleimani Strike and the Case for War Powers Reform
With passage of historic war powers legislation on Iran, a leading authority homes in on what deep reform of the war powers should look like.

Peace in Afghanistan: Showmanship over Substance
It is clear why it is in the best interests of both the Taliban and the Trump administration to maintain the masquerade despite ongoing Taliban and Haqqani attacks targeting both…