Department of Defense (DoD)
291 Articles
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.
The “War Reserve Stockpile Allies – Israel” Explained & Why Congress Should Not Expand It
Congress should not remove restrictions on transfers to and from the Defense Department's War Reserves Stockpile in Israel.
Assessing the DoD Law of War Manual’s Approach to Treaties and Customary International Law
Identifying how the DoD's Law of War Manual could be improved in its methodological approach to sources of international law.
The “Ghost Budget”: How America Pays for Endless War
The "Ghost Budget" has enabled successive administrations to prosecute wars with limited congressional oversight and public debate.
Experts React: Unpacking the Biden Administration’s New Efforts on AI
Top experts reflect on what the Biden administration's new executive order means for the future of AI and efforts to regulate it.