Laws of War
102 Articles
A Reply to Chris O’Meara: Necessity and Proportionality in International Law on the Use of Force
In his thought-provoking essay in Just Security, Chris O’Meara provides an insightful analysis of Ukraine’s recent incursion into Kursk Oblast under the law governing the use…
Death Toll Climbs in Ukraine With Russia’s ‘Double-Tap’ Strikes
The tactic adds to evidence of intent to kill civilians through targeted or indiscriminate attacks, including on aid workers and institutions.
Assessing Jus Ad Bellum Proportionality: A Factored Approach
Nine factors, considered in their totality, would provide a more nuanced understanding of jus ad bellum proportionality and assist States in identifying specific concerns with…
Combatant Privilege vs. Criminal Responsibility for Organized Armed Groups
Editor’s Note: This article is part of the Armed Groups and International Law Symposium, building on the volume edited by Katharine Fortin and Ezequiel Heffes. During international…
Armenia and Azerbaijan in the International Court of Justice Over Nagorno-Karabakh
Learn how cases related to the conflict develop international jurisprudence, including for enforcing State accountability.
Support Grows for Gender Justice at UN Session on Draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
Track how States for the first time addressed proposals to better integrate gender justice and the needs of victims and survivors.
Key Takeaways from Biden Administration Report on Israeli Use of US Weapons
On Friday, May 10, the Biden administration released its overdue first report required by National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) assessing the conduct of Israel and other foreign…
State Department Submits Key Report to Congress on Israel’s Use of US Weapons
The State Department submitted its NSM-20 report on Israeli assurances that use of U.S. weapons will follow international law.
Report of the Independent Task Force on National Security Memorandum-20 Regarding Israel
It is our hope the Task Force's work facilitates drafting efforts currently under way within the administration to meet the reporting requirements of NSM-20, resulting in the overdue…
“Famine is Setting in”: The International Court of Justice Returns to Gaza
The Court ordered Israel to ensure the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance, in full cooperation with the United Nations, including by opening new land crossing points.
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.
Proportionality in Self-Defense: A Brief Reply
A response to an article published on how military campaigns can never be rendered disproportionate by the total harm inflicted on civilians.