State Responsibility
57 Articles
On Iranian Gunboats: Beware Conflating American and Mainstream Views of the Law
In a recent essay in Just Security entitled “Iranian Gunboat Harassment and the Rules of Engagement,” Michael Schmitt and Durward Johnson explore important questions raised…
COVID-19 and International Law: Must China Compensate Countries for the Damage?
Top international health law expert discusses: Did China violate its legal obligations under the International Health Regulations? Would Beijing have to financially compensate…
It’s Time Iraq Accepts Legal Responsibility for Its Iran-Backed Militias
Legal reform of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMFs) would have a more durable effect on these hostile militias than a few US air strikes.
United States Killed Iraqi Military Official and Iraqi Military Personnel in the Two Recent Attacks
"If these dimensions of the unfolding events are not properly understood by U.S. decision makers and the media, the currently highly volatile situation—between the United States,…
Bolton’s Stated Predicate for War With Iran Doesn’t Work
"Bolton has repeatedly threatened that Iran’s support for its 'proxies' could bring 'a very strong response'—even military force. By threatening military action against Iran…
Legal Explainer: German Court Reins in Support for U.S. Drone Strikes
Unpacking the legal issues discussed in this major decision by German court.
Saudi Coalition “Admission” of Error in Bombing Cholera Treatment Center Implicates the United States
Saudi coalition's "admission" of error is a humanitarian law violation, and that has direct implications for US support for the Saudi Yemen War.
Detainees in Iraq Win Damages from Denmark in High Court Ruling
A Danish High Court (‘Østre Landsret’) decided this month that the Danish government should compensate a group of Iraqi nationals who sued the Ministry of Defense over ill…
The Technicolor Zone of Cyberspace – Part I
Two leading experts on cyber law analyze the U.K. Attorney General's major speech on international law and cyber, delivered at Chatham House last month.
View from Socotra Island: Yemen War and Threats to the UN Charter
A small Yemeni island was recently at the center of a little-noticed standoff between three states—Yemen, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. The dispute reveals…
Legal Limits on Military Assistance to Proxy Forces: Pathways for State and Official Responsibility
This article is the latest in our Fog of Law series that examines the gray zones in international law and conflict that can be exploited by states. The series comes in advance…
How US Surveillance Helps Repressive Regimes—the Ethiopia Case
Recent stories from Edward Snowden’s disclosures show how the US government’s involvement with Ethiopia presents a case study in enabling repressive regimes to carry out…