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The Marinera oil tanker is seen on January 14, 2026 in Hopeman, Scotland. The Marinera oil tanker, previously known as the Bella 1, has entered UK waters at the request of the US to be replenished with "essential supplies." The Russian-flagged tanker was seized by US forces on 7 January 2026, between Iceland and Scotland, for allegedly violating sanctions by transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

The Law of Naval Warfare and the U.S. Capture of Neutral Merchant Vessels: The Case of the Marinera

In‑depth legal examination of the U.S. capture of the Russian‑flagged tanker Marinera and its implications under the law of naval warfare.
U.N. Security Council members seated in a circular chamber raise their hands to vote unanimously for Resolution 808 establishing a war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, 22 February 1993.

Pursuing Truth, Not Peace: International Courts’ Limited Ability to Help End Wars

International courts rarely end wars, but when designed humbly, creatively, and fairly, they can help parties choose law over war—turning justice into a path toward peace.
Heavily armed law enforcement patrol outside the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) where Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is being held before his trial on January 4, 2026 .

Is President Maduro a Prisoner of War?

Three theories by which POW status might attach to a person in Maduro’s position, and the consequences of entitlement to that status.
Visualization of law and justice

The Road to a New Convention on Crimes Against Humanity

A new treaty on crimes against humanity will require extensive dialogue and ongoing efforts to engage delegations about the substantive issues.
A towering justice gavel stands prominently at the center, illuminated by a dramatic blend of blue and purple lighting. Scattered across the scene are monochrome silhouettes of legal professionals (via Getty Images)

Responding to the Trump Administration’s Cuts to International Judicial Work

Foreign aid cuts have halted most international judicial training. What future paths remain for U.S. judges seeking global engagement?
U.S. President Donald Trump presents the “Board of Peace” onstage at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on January 22, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Expert Q&A on the Charter of the Board of Peace and the Role of Congress

Can the United States join the Board of Peace without action by Congress? Can it provide funds or carry out its operations without congressional approval?
A smartphone displays a post by U.S. President Donald Trump on the Truth Social platform showing a composite image featuring Trump alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, with the U.S. flag and a sign reading Greenland, U.S. Territory Est. 2026, while a map of Greenland is visible in the background, on January 20, 2026 (Photo illustration by Cheng Xin/Getty Images)

The Insurmountable Legal Obstacles to U.S. Acquisition of Greenland

Any acquisition of Greenland by the United States–whether by force or through coerced agreement–would directly violate fundamental principles of international law.
International criminal court sign and building.

Judging War: The Legitimacy of International Courts in Armed Conflicts

This article examines how the ICJ and ICC navigate legitimacy challenges in armed conflicts, testing their authority, fairness, and impact on global peace and justice.
An image of the International Court of Justice chambers.

Symposium Introduction: Is There a Role for International Courts in Ending Wars?

Judicial involvement in ongoing armed conflicts should be examined from multiple vantage points: courts, victims, parties to conflict, and broader goals of peace and security.
A globe in front of books

The Prosecution of Crimes against Humanity: a National Perspective

An international convention on prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity would be a visible step toward accountability.
Gavel and a globe

Overview of the ILC Draft Articles for a Crimes Against Humanity Convention

An expert overview of the draft articles produced by the ILC for the upcoming U.N. conference on a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty.
Members of the Delegation of The Gambia Monday 12 January 2026 Photograph: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Frank van Beek. Courtesy of the ICJ. All rights reserved.

Proving Genocide: Party Presentation

Myanmar appears to have changed its position in Gambia v. Myanmar, a historic genocide case before the ICJ. This change may prove decisive in the court's pending decision. 
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