Jus ad Bellum
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.

Legally Available Options in Response to Russia’s Penetrations of NATO Airspace
"International law, in its wisdom, makes such options legally available."

US Servicemembers’ Exposure to Criminal Liability for Lethal Strikes on Narcoterrorists
Analysis by former career judge advocate officer and former court-martial prosecutor.

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.

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.

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.

Indefensible: Israel’s Unlawful Attack on Iran
Part of our ongoing series on the Israel-Iran war.

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."

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.

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.

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…