Department of Defense (DoD)
287 Articles
The Prohibition on Indiscriminate Attacks: The US Position vs. the DoD Law of War Manual
Timely analysis especially given recent U.S. government condemnations of Russia's indiscriminate attacks in Ukraine.
Congressional Action on Civilian Harm Resulting from U.S. Military Operations: Part I
Congress has introduced two landmark bills aimed at addressing systemic problems with civilian harm.
Congressional Action on Civilian Harm Resulting from U.S. Military Operations: Part II
Congress has introduced two landmark bills aimed at addressing systemic problems with civilian harm.
DoD Can’t Move Forward on Civilian Casualties Without Looking Back
"Neglecting past cases would be a grave mistake that could damage the credibility of an otherwise promising process."
Clear Error in the Defense Department’s Law of War Manual: On Presumptions of Civilian Status
This article is the first in a new project at Just Security that assesses the U.S. Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual with a goal of providing constructive opportunities…
A Big Step Forward or Running in Place?: The Pentagon’s New Policy on Civilian Casualties
New Pentagon effort to respond to civilian harm is encouraging, but DOD needs to demonstrate leadership, scope the problem correctly, and address the growing credibility gap to…
The Al-Qurayshi Operation and Minimization of Civilian Casualties
US officials’ emphasis on minimization of civilian casualties in an operation against such a high value target deserves special attention.
Post-January 6th, the Military is Addressing Extremism in Its Ranks. Sort of.
DOD policy review on preventing domestic extremism is a necessary step, but more is needed to meet the threat.
2022 Update: Good Governance Paper No. 6: Domestic Military Operations
At one-year mark of Biden administration, top experts revisit proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government.
Crisis of Command: The Pentagon, The President, and January 6
Pentagon restrained National Guard on Jan. 6 out of concern Trump would invoke Insurrection Act.
America Needs a War on Terror Transparency Act
The Pentagon has three months to investigate the disturbing New York Times report that the military conducted and covered up airstrikes in Baghuz, Syria that killed up to 64 civilians.…
Bringing Climate and Terrorism Together at the UN Security Council – Proceed with Caution
The open debate creates risks that counterterrorism will come to dominate the climate security and environmental peacebuilding fields.