Use of Force
174 Articles
How Support to Partner Forces Enables Secret War
With security cooperation as a means of pursuing U.S. military objectives becoming more frequent, Department of Defense-led security cooperation, particularly under §§ 333, 127e,…
What the White House Use of Force Policy Means for the War in Somalia
In principle, the new policy tightens safeguards for airstrikes and special operation raids. But it contains loopholes that will likely allow business as usual for USAFRICOM in…
The Biden Drone Playbook: The Elusive Promise of Restrained Counterterrorism
The new policy guidance on direct action is welcome, but more work is needed to fulfill the promise of restrained counterterrorism.
What Was the International Legal Basis for the Strike on al-Zawahiri?
Serious questions need to be addressed in order to establish that both the killing of Zawahiri, and the use of force against Afghanistan, were not violations of international law.
Top Experts Raise Questions Regarding Legal Basis of Zawahiri Strike
A note from co-editors-in-chief Tess Bridgeman and Ryan Goodman: Although Just Security is on hiatus this week, we wanted to be sure to examine and reflect on the U.S. airstrike…
Still at War: The United States in Iraq
There are both benefits and risks to maintaining a U.S. military presence in Iraq.
Biden’s New Counterterrorism Policy in Somalia: Cautions and Unknowns
More information is needed to assess the strategic and legal basis for redeploying U.S. troops to Somalia.
Still at War: The United States in Syria
It is time to reconsider U.S. strategic objectives in Syria and the legal basis for the use of force there.
Congressional Action on Civilian Harm Resulting from U.S. Military Operations: Part I
Congress has introduced two landmark bills aimed at addressing systemic problems with civilian harm.
Congressional Action on Civilian Harm Resulting from U.S. Military Operations: Part II
Congress has introduced two landmark bills aimed at addressing systemic problems with civilian harm.
Still at War: The Forever War Legal Paradigm in Afghanistan
The Biden administration faces tough legal choices following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Does the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ Require States to go to War with Russia?
In short: No. Here's how to understand what the R2P commitment does require in Ukraine and beyond.