Laws of War
107 Articles
Russia’s Drone-Dropped Landmines Threaten Human Lives and Hard-Won Humanitarian Protections
Russian drone attacks in have restricted civilian movement, blocked access to essentials, and forced residents to flee. They represent serious violations of the laws of war.
Russia’s “Human Safari” Terror Tactic in Key Southeastern Ukraine Region of Kherson
The "hunting" may be part of a Kremlin strategy to seize more territory, drive out Ukrainians, and pacify those left in advance of any talks.
Days, Not Weeks: Gaza, Starvation, and the Imperative to Act Now
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has sharpened third states’ obligation to use their leverage now to reverse the trajectory, writes Dannenbaum.
Article 7(2) of Amended Protocol II on Conventional Weapons and the Lebanon Pager Explosions
On September 17th, thousands of pagers exploded across southern Lebanon, Beirut, and Syria. The explosions, followed the next day by exploding walkie talkies, killed dozens, including…
Law of War Questions Raised by Exploding Pagers in Lebanon
The exploding pagers in Lebanon raise a number of factual and legal questions related to the obligations of the attacker under the law of armed conflict.
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…