Civilian-Military Relations
52 Articles
Trump’s Use of Federal Troops in Drug Raid Outside of Los Angeles: An Alarming Escalation
"An alarming escalation of the president's efforts to use the military as a domestic police force. Based on currently available information, it appears to be illegal, as well"
Posse Comitatus Act Meets the President’s “Protective Powers”: What’s Next in Newsom v. Trump
"Congress has been far more clear than is widely believed about what its view is..."
The Just Security Podcast: The Situation in Los Angeles and the U.S. Military
An expert discussion with audience Q&A on the events in Los Angeles, the federalization of the National Guard, and use of U.S. Marines.
June 12 YouTube Live Event: The Situation in Los Angeles and the U.S. Military
A public event including audience Q&A on pressing legal and policy issues at stake.
How the Pentagon Personnel Firings Threaten Our Apolitical Military
This unprecedented purge of the nation’s top brass suggests that Trump may attempt to fill these roles with officers he perceives as loyal.
As Ukraine Struggles for Troops, Its Constitutional Court Considers the Rights of Conscientious Objectors
A court case shows the complexity of weighing a constitutional guarantee against the obligation to protect the State in war.
Much Ado About Nothing: Recent Changes to Department of Defense Directive 5240.01
Recent changes to this Defense Department directive do not reflect any change in policy and provide no new authority to deploy the military domestically or to use lethal force…
Lessons from Around the World: Engaging ‘Pillars of Support’ to Uphold and Expand Democracy
Cross-partisan movements that defeated far-right autocrats in Brazil and Poland demonstrate that crucial groups can propel democratic success.
The Anonymous Military Leaders with the Weight of the Election on Their Shoulders
The legal and ethical frameworks that senior civilian and military leaders need to consider.
With Watershed Election, Claudia Sheinbaum Must Address Mexico’s Human Rights Crisis
Winning the most votes ever and controlling Congress and most state legislatures, the first woman to hold the office will have the power.
In Shifting US Ties with Niger and Africa, Focus on Human Rights and Democracy to Strengthen Partnerships
After a series of coups in the region following years of counterterrorism cooperation, the US needs a new approach to recover its stride.
Expert Backgrounder: Federalizing the National Guard and Domestic Use of the Military
An expert explainer on when the President of the United States can 'federalize" the National Guard and deploy U.S. military forces domestically.