Jus ad Bellum

× Clear Filters
159 Articles

Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers

Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.
A NATO AWACS Tactical Director assesses the air and surface situation aboard an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) NATO air surveillance aircraft during a flight over Polish airspace as part of the alliance's new Eastern Sentry mission on September 19, 2025. NATO said on September 19, 2025, it had scrambled aircraft to intercept Russian jets violating Estonian airspace, calling it proof of Moscow's "reckless" behaviour and the alliance's readiness to counter it. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Legally Available Options in Response to Russia’s Penetrations of NATO Airspace

"International law, in its wisdom, makes such options legally available."
Military justice image

US Servicemembers’ Exposure to Criminal Liability for Lethal Strikes on Narcoterrorists

Analysis by former career judge advocate officer and former court-martial prosecutor.
US Marines' Lockheed Martin F35-B jets arrive in formation to José Aponte de la Torre Airport

Murder by Drone: The Legal and Moral Stakes of the Caribbean Strikes

If allowed to go unchecked, the Caribbean strikes could encourage additional unlawful executions by the United States and other leaders.

Striking Hamas in Qatar: “Unwilling or Unable”?

Leading legal expert analyzes the Israeli airstrike on Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar.
The US Navy warship USS Sampson (DDG 102) docks at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City

Striking Drug Cartels Under the Jus ad Bellum and Law of Armed Conflict

Analysis of laws of war and law on the resort to armed force in U.S. military action against Tren de Aragua.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Camille Shea speaks during a Security Council Meeting on the Israel-Iran conflict at United Nations headquarters on June 24, 2025 in New York. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Assessing the U.S. Article 51 Letter for the Attack on Iran: Legal Lipstick on the Use of Force Pig

Former State Department attorney analyzes U.S. letter to UN Security Council that presented legal arguments for U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Members of the UN Security Council listen as Ambassador Danny Danon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the UN, speaks during an emergency meeting at the United Nations Headquarters on June 13, 2025 in New York City (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Indefensible: Israel’s Unlawful Attack on Iran

Part of our ongoing series on the Israel-Iran war.
Members of the UN Security Council hold an emergency meeting to discuss Israeli strikes on Iran. UN headquarters, June 13, 2025 (UN Photo/Loey Felipe)

A New War or a New Stage in an Ongoing War – Observations on June 13 Israeli Attack against Iran

"Another legal framework – the ongoing armed conflict framework – is more factually and legally viable than the anticipatory or preventive self-defense frameworks."
This picture taken from a position in southern Israel, on the border with the Gaza Strip, shows destroyed buildings in the besieged territory on May 27, 2025. (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images) 

The Illegality of Israel’s Military Offensive in Gaza

Analysis of jus ad bellum with Israel’s stated objectives for its current military operations in Gaza.
Satellite image of the orbit of ASAT debris from a China ASAT weapons test in 2022.

Balancing State Security and Peace and Security in Outer Space: What Role for International Law on the Use of Force?

Understanding jus ad bellum necessity and proportionality is crucial to addressing concerns regarding the weaponization of outer space.
A person wearing a Panamanian flag steps on a U.S. flag.

Upending the International Order: Why Undermining the UN Charter and US Defense Commitments is Self-Defeating

The President should understand that bellicose threats and unreliability as an ally may leave the United States poorer and more vulnerable on his watch and will frustrate his nuclear…
1-12 of 159 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: