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

Why the Christchurch Call to Remove Online Terror Content Triggers Free Speech Concerns
In deciding whether to endorse the Christchurch Call, the question for U.S. policymakers was whether the text essentially called on the U.S. or others to act inconsistently with…

Christchurch Calls and Washington Isn’t Answering
One of the more predictable diplomatic rituals since 9/11 has been that when terrorists strike a close American ally, Washington stands in solidarity with that country, offering…

‘Flying Ginsu’ Missile Won’t Resolve U.S. Targeted Killing Controversy
Proponents of a new, modified Hellfire missile called the R9X tout it as a game-changer that can spare more civilian lives than traditional Hellfires. But the new technology can…

Enforcing Congressional Subpoenas: A Modest Proposal
A change in the law that would enhance Congress’s ability to extract information from the executive branch is a heavy lift, particularly in the current climate. With that in…

Why the Arms Trade Treaty Matters – and Why It Matters That the US Is Walking Away
President Donald Trump's decision to "withdraw" from the Arms Trade Treaty is based on a clear misconception of what the treaty is and what it does. To better understand the gravity…

For the Military Commissions, a Fork in the Road on Torture
“It’s time for everyone to admit that the Guantanamo military commissions have failed.” That’s what Steve Vladeck wrote last month in a characteristically excellent post discussing…

The Mazars USA Subpoena as an Existential Threat to President Trump
The ‘friendly’ subpoena recently served on the tax and accounting firm Mazars USA seeking client records related to Donald J. Trump and the Trump Organization may not have…

US Counterterrorism Under the UN Spotlight
A United Nations team is visiting Washington this week to conduct its first review of U.S. counterterrorism policy.

Al-Nashiri III: A No Good, Very Bad Day for U.S. Military Commissions
A stunning, unanimous opinion of the DC Court of Appeals throws out every single pretrial order issued over the past 3 1/2 years in case of Al-Nashiri. What this says about the…

Ouster of Sudan’s Bashir Is Only the Beginning
After 30 years in power, Sudan President Omar al-Bashir is finally out. But the coming days, weeks, and months will be precarious: concerns over the military takeover, a proliferation…

The Consequences of Legislating Cyberlaw After Terrorist Attacks
Hastily drafted laws passed under pressure tend to create new problems while doing little to counter threats from terrorists and violent extremists.

Transparency on Civilian Harm in Somalia Matters – Not Just to Americans
"Under the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations, much of the commentary on the use of lethal force in counterterrorism operations has focused on the importance of transparency…