National Defense Authorization Act NDAA

US soldiers stand to attention at the United States Army military training base in Grafenwoehr, southern Germany, on July 13, 2022.

In Support of Sunsets: Easy Yes Votes on AUMF Reform

Congress and the Biden administration should support inclusion of a reauthorization requirement in any new authorization for use of military force.

Jul. 13, 2022 Tess Bridgeman

Clouds pass over the Capitol Dome as the Senate resumes debate on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)(Photo by Joshua Roberts/Getty Images).

Amid Civilian Harm Revelations, Defense Bill Takes Measured Steps on Oversight and Accountability

Recent months have seen a flood of revelations concerning civilian harm resulting from U.S. military operations. The last U.S. airstrike of the war in Afghanistan, which killed…

Dec. 23, 2021 John Ramming Chappell and Ari Tolany

Bill Browder, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, and two others speak while sitting at a press conference in London on November 20, 2018. People sit facing them with recording equipment.

Abuse of Interpol for Transnational Repression: Assessing the FY22 NDAA’s Provisions for Prevention

The act needs work, but could set a new standard in limiting Interpol abuse for assassinations, abductions, financial blacklisting and more.

Nov. 10, 2021 Ted R. Bromund and Jonathan Reich

The logos of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are seen on computer terminals in a training room of the Cyber Crimes Center of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement October 13, 2009 in Fairfax, Virginia.

Congress Debates Cyber Incident Reporting Deadlines in the NDAA

The next NDAA could require cyber incident reporting for critical cyber infrastructure owners and operators within 24 or 72 hours of the incident.

Oct. 26, 2021 Michael Kans

A woman crosses a street with her child during clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters in the northern city of Tripoli, on January 29, 2021.

Robust Gender Analysis Will Be Key to Effective US Policy Development

Securing equality in foreign policy and national security means implementing requirements and ensuring they apply to all government decision-making.

Mar. 4, 2021 Stephenie Foster and Susan Markham

A member of the Syrian Civil Defence (The White Helmet) checks the rubble and debris at a medical centre following reported shelling by the Syrian government, in the Syrian town of Hbeit in the southern countryside of the rebel-held Idlib province on April 30, 2019.

How the Biden Administration Can Better Protect Health Care in War

The health consequences of violence against hospitals, clinics, ambulances, health workers, and patients in war have become ever more evident in conflicts throughout the world.

Feb. 22, 2021 Leonard Rubenstein

The detainee hospital's operating room is seen in Camp Delta which is part of the U.S. military prison for 'enemy combatants' on June 26, 2013 in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Why Guantánamo Detainees Should Have Access to COVID Vaccines Part II: Federal Law and DoD Policies

In addition to a violation of the law of armed conflict and unsound policy, there's another reason the DOD's decision to suspend vaccination plans for Guantánamo detainees is…

Feb. 4, 2021 Ryan Goodman, Oona A. Hathaway and 1 more

A road sign entering Fort Bragg going from Connecticut Avenue in Southern Pines, North Carolina, in March 2010. The sign reads, “US Army Fort Bragg Military Reservation – All persons and vehicles entering or departing this installation are subject to search.”

Trump’s Veto Threat Over Confederate-Named Bases Erodes U.S. Security and American Values

Given the historical significance of this moment and the alternatives for commemorating real, heroism, Congress has a moral and practical obligation to act.

Nov. 25, 2020 Bishop Garrison and Cole Blum

Graves of people including children who were killed in the war including airstrikes carried out by warplanes of the Saudi-led coalition, are seen at a cemetery on June 17, 2020 in Sana'a, Yemen.

Defense Policy Negotiations Near Completion in Congress, With Human Rights Provisions in Play

Issues at stake include militarization of law enforcement, civilian casualties, military base renaming, arms transfers, and more.

Nov. 25, 2020 Cole Blum

The damaged interior of the hospital in which the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) medical charity operated is seen on October 13, 2015 following an air strike in the northern city of Kunduz.

Online Symposium on Civilian Casualties: The Law of Prevention and Response

An important symposium series, “Civilian Casualties: The Law of Prevention and Response,” is kicking off on Wednesday (September 30) at noon EDT.

Sep. 29, 2020 Todd Buchwald

U.S. Army soldiers work fortifying the US-Mexico border fence with barbed wire on November 26, 2018 in Mexicali, Mexico.

DOD Inspector General’s Report Whitewashes Potential Violations of the Posse Comitatus Act

In finding no violation of Posse Comitatus Act, the IG misinterprets federal law and exaggerates the power of DOD policy — creating a dangerous precedent for the domestic use…

Sep. 3, 2020 Joseph Nunn

Somali soldiers enter Sanguuni military base, where an American special operations soldier was killed by a mortar attack on June 8, about 450 km south of Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 13, 2018.

House and Senate Chart Different Courses on US Clandestine Support of Foreign Militias

Special Operations Forces are a prized US military asset that requires careful oversight to prevent abuses, strategic miscalculations, and mission failures.

Aug. 20, 2020 Tommy Ross