UN Charter
Highlights:
Key Questions on U.S. Killing Tren de Aragua Leader Inside Venezuela
Does the killing of Tren de Aragua's leader by the U.S. military in Venezuela constitute murder? An extrajudicial killing? What was its purported legal basis?
Blockade and Article 2(4) of the UN Charter
"The U.S. military’s enforcement of the ongoing naval blockade of Iran may have now resulted in fresh violations of the U.N. Charter against four entirely different countries."
Deep Sea Mining and the Logic of Contracting Around the Commons
A non-binding U.S.-Japan agreement on deep-sea mining highlights the weaknesses and vulnerability of the International Seabed Authority.
Ukraine and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression: Redefining International Justice
The tribunal to prosecute Russia's crime of aggression seeks to close one of the most enduring gaps in international criminal law and strengthen the U.N. Charter.
Follow the Law, Not the Plan: Legal Considerations for Third States in Gaza
Third State’s support for Trump’s Gaza plan must remain strictly conditioned on compliance with international law and be continuously reassessed in light of evolving facts.…
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.
185 Articles
Collection: Iran, Israel and the United States at War (2025-2026 Operations)
Experts analyze the US-Israel Iran military conflicts - covering nuclear diplomacy; strategic, security, and regional implications; and domestic and international law.
At the 60-Day Mark, the Iran War is Triply Illegal
Under the War Powers Resolution, Trump must now terminate the hostilities against Iran he began two months ago. He seems set against doing so.
Legal Foundations of Honorable Military Service
As former judge advocates, it was our responsibility while on active duty to advise on the legal demands of and limits on senior officers’ authority and responsibility.
On the State Department Memorandum “Operation Epic Fury and International Law”
Former State Department attorney's critique of the Department's Iran war memorandum on “Operation Epic Fury and International Law.”
A Primer on Just War Theory and the Iran War
Leading scholar explains just war theory and the Iran war. An assessment of the Trump administration's response to the Catholic Church.
In Response to the Letter by International Law Experts
Four experts, who have each served as Senior Law of War Advisor, respond to Letter by 100+ international law experts on Iran war published at Just Security.
The International Legal Consequences and Imprudence of U.S. Assistance to Kurdish Rebels in Iran
U.S. policies of funding rebel groups to achieve shared strategic objectives while turning a blind eye to ideology and international law has proven to be myopic time and again
Over 100 International Law Experts Warn: U.S. Strikes on Iran Violate UN Charter and May Be War Crimes
Over 100 international law experts sign letter on Iran War, UN Charter, and international humanitarian law.
Global Governance of Emerging Technologies: Counterterrorism Challenges at the United Nations Security Council
How the UN Security Council governs emerging technologies amid rising terrorist threats, balancing innovation, security, and human rights.
Self-Preservation and the Erosion of International Law
It is the violation of fundamental principles of international law that ultimately constitutes an existential threat to all members of the international community.
In the Race for U.N. Secretary-General, Might a Woman Finally Lead?
In 2026, a decades-old question returns to center stage: will this finally be the moment for a woman to serve as U.N. Secretary-General?
An Unserious Justification for an Unnecessary War: Assessing the U.S. “Article 51” Letter to U.N. on Iran War
Former US State Department attorney writes that the United States' "Article 51" letter to the UN Security Council fails to identify legal basis for Iran attack.