Armed Conflicts
254 Articles
Was Targeting Ayatollah Khamenei and Other Iranian Leaders Lawful? What Precedents Does It Set?
After Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei was killed in a U.S. and Israeli attack, a key question arises: when is striking a member of the enemy leadership lawful under the laws…
Double Preemption, Imminence, and the U.S. Attack Against Iran
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s argument that Operation Epic Fury was an act of preemptive self-defense is not credible and does not satisfy the necessary precondition.
Russia’s Big War at Four: Ukraine Keeps Fighting and Keeps Talking
Ukrainians have withstood the Russian onslaught and, thanks to Europe, have managed despite the reduction of U.S. military assistance. Trump has more he could offer.
Top Questions the Trump Administration Needs to Answer on War with Iran
What Congress, journalists, and the public should ask the Trump administration about its war in Iran.
“Significantly Diminished”: Commenting Anew on Article 23 of Geneva Convention IV in a Transformed Legal Context
New Commentary on GC IV describes Article 23—the treaty’s key provision governing the duty to allow the passage of essentials to civilians—as "significantly diminished" today.
The Trump Administration’s Theory of Constitutional War Powers: “The President Could Decide”
The legal memo justifying its Venezuela operations provides insight into the administration's use-of-force decisions and the factual evidence undergirding them.
Syria’s Al-Hol Camp Is Closed, But Another Remains, as Does International Responsibility
Responsible states can end the chaos and suffering in remaining camps like Roj by repatriating detainees and upholding their obligations to their citizens.
Risk of Renewed War in Tigray: Painful Reminders From Ethiopia’s Last War Demand Action to Prevent Another
With the possibility of renewed fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region, reminders of the toll and recommendations for the world to take preventive action.
What Negotiators Miss in Ukraine Talks: Territorial Concessions Would Abandon Real People – and Fail to Bring Peace
U.S.-led talks float Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia, but such deals would abandon real communities and entrench an unjust, fragile peace.
Closing Loopholes Across Time: the ICRC’s New Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention
The ICRC's updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention fills a loophole-closing function and reasserts international humanitarian law's core protective purpose.
Looking Forward: What Can Courts Do and When
Given international courts current role and relevant limitations in ending wars, how can courts play a more meaningful role in ending war, or in preventing a return to war?
Ukraine’s Long War and History’s Lessons for the West
Russia’s long war on Ukraine is a world-shaping conflict, and only sustained U.S. and European pressure can secure the continent's future and the global order.