Department of Defense (DoD)
295 Articles
State Department Submits Key Report to Congress on Israel’s Use of US Weapons
The State Department submitted its NSM-20 report on Israeli assurances that use of U.S. weapons will follow international law.
For Another Year, DoD Fails to Make Condolence Payments to Civilian Harm Victims
Despite recent reforms, the Pentagon still has not made any condolence payments for civilian harm resulting from U.S. military operations.
US-UK Strikes in Yemen Raise Questions About Commitments on Civilian Harm Mitigation
It is urgent for both the U.S. and U.K. to address concerns of civilian harm allegations in Yemen to fulfill their own policy commitments.
Bringing Transparency to National Security Uses of Artificial Intelligence
The Biden administration should ensure that AI systems do not proliferate in secret under the banner of "national security."
Under the Weather – The National Security Risks from Climate Change Could Go Well Beyond What the U.S. Government Thinks
Climate change may cause fundamental changes to the strategic environment that require shifts in U.S. policy.
Membership in a Non-State Armed Group in the DoD Law of War Manual
A critical assessment of the U.S. DoD Law of War Manual's approach to membership status in non-State armed groups.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Pentagon’s New Civilian Harm Policy
In December 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly released its Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR DOD-I), which was mandated by Section 936 of the…
Not Reassuring: NSM-20 and the Limits of Law-of-War Assurances in the Transfer of U.S. Arms
Analysis of how Biden's National Security Memorandum (NSM-20) may operate in regulating the transfer of U.S. arms amid concerns of international humanitarian law violations.
Protected Persons and the ‘Geographic Nexus’ Requirement in the DoD Law of War Manual
A critical assessment of how the Department of Defense Law of War Manual narrowly defines "protected persons" under the Geneva Conventions.
Why the ICJ Ruling Misses the Mark: Mitigating Civilian Harm With An Enemy Engaged in Human Shielding
Former CENTCOM Commander General (ret.) Joseph Votel and Professor Claire Finkelstein critically analyze South Africa's positions before the International Court of Justice in…
Congress Must Strengthen Oversight on Intelligence Sharing and Civilian Harm
Congress must do more to track how intelligence sharing with allies and partners contributes to civilian harm.
The Principle of Proportionality in the DoD Law of War Manual
Two key issues in Department of Defense Law of War Manual on harm to non-combatants.