Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC)
600 Articles
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.
On Civilians’ Return to North Gaza: What International Humanitarian Law Requires
A leading legal scholar analyzes international humanitarian law obligations of Israel to permit Palestinian civilians to return to Northern Gaza.
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.
The Just Security Podcast: How Should the World Regulate Artificial Intelligence?
While States face a common problem in regulating AI, approaches differ and prospects for global cooperation appear limited.
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…
No Longer the Silent Victim: How Ukrainian Prosecutors Are Revitalizing Environmental War Crime Law
Prosecutions for environmental destruction have been notably absent from war crimes trials to date. In Ukraine, this is about to change.
The Law of Relief Action – Is Israel Required to Allow Fuel into Gaza?
Assessment of international law on conditions under which humanitarian relief must be allowed in context of fuel supplies in Israel-Gaza war.
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.
Revisiting International Law in the Gaza Context
When it comes to the laws of war, a substantial number of commentators can play the notes but not the music. This essay examines the Hamas-Israel War in light of this ever-evolving…
15 Years Later, Sri Lanka Continues to Deny Justice to Murdered Journalist
Lasantha’s murder, and the government’s failure to meaningfully investigate it, is a potent illustration of the importance and necessity of holding the perpetrators of crimes…
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.