Department of State
288 Articles
The Just Security Podcast: The Evolution of U.S. Hostage Policy
Joining this episode are Jim Foley’s mother, Diane Foley, and Luke Hartig, a former senior director at the National Security Council.
The State Department’s Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance: How to Make a Good Thing Better
The State Department's Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance process is a good start but changes can improve function and transparency.
Israel and the Leahy Law
"For seven and a half years, I served as director of the State Department office that leads Leahy vetting of foreign security units. ... U.S. State Department spokespersons assert…
Sec. Blinken’s View on Sanctions Against the ICC: A More Complete Picture
Analysis of the Secretary of State's exact statements on the prospect of congressional efforts to sanction the International Criminal Court.
The ICC Arrest Warrants: Even a Strong U.S. Reaction Should Not Include Sanctions
Ambassador Todd Buchwald draws lessons from past U.S. sanctions against the International Criminal Court as a guide for U.S. policymakers in responding to arrest warrants for Israeli…
The Just Security Podcast: A Request for ICC Arrest Warrants and the Israel-Hamas War
The ICC Prosecutor's application for arrest warrants could have far-reaching consequences for international justice and the Israel-Hamas war.
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.
A Simple US Step Can Help Protect Another Imprisoned Democracy Activist in Russia
After Navalny's death, one of Putin's many political prisoners urgently needs the US to designate him as "unlawfully or wrongfully detained."
Israel, the United States, and the Fourth Geneva Convention
The United States must clearly articulate whether the Fourth Geneva Convention applies to territories occupied by Israel.
The ABA Urges Action Against Abusive Commercial Spyware, and Policymakers Should Listen
The leading association of American lawyers added its voice to the chorus of concern surrounding the proliferation of commercial spyware.
US Government’s $300 Million for West Africa — How to Make it Count
To turn the tide in democracies under stress, the US needs to balances near-term increases in stability with aid for democratic governance.