The recent decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to dismiss the Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force marks a troubling departure from the decades-long commitment of the US military to uphold the laws of armed conflict. This decision raises urgent concerns about the future of military engagement, the preservation of [...]
The third anniversary of Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of international norms and the rule of law. It marks a sobering moment, not just for Ukraine, which has borne the brunt of this unprovoked aggression, but for the entire global community that cherishes peace, diplomacy, and the [...]
The ongoing conflict in the Donbas region of Ukraine poses significant challenges to peace and stability in Eastern Europe. The complexity of the situation is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, particularly between NATO allies and the Russian Federation. In this context, a Multinational Force and Observers for the Donbas Region (MFO-DR) may serve as an effective [...]
In recent years, the plight of Ukraine has become a focal point in the global struggle for democracy and freedom. As the Ukrainian people continue to endure relentless aggression from Russia, it is crucial for the world community to recognize the significant stakes involved in this conflict. The shadows of past failures, like those witnessed [...]
In 1996, when Professor Bernard Hibbitts first established JURIST, few could have foreseen the impact the project would have. Whether measured in terms of the individual lives it has touched, its global reach, or the impressions it has left on the landscape of online legal news coverage, JURIST’s role cannot be overstated. What began as [...]
As the dust settles after the fall of the Assad regime, a significant chapter is closing in the tragic narrative of the Syrian conflict. The civil war, which erupted in 2011 following the brutal crackdown on peaceful student protests in Daraa, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Yet, with the regime’s [...]
“A republic, if you can keep it.” –Benjamin Franklin’s response to Elizabeth Willing Powel’s question: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” The rule of law lies at the heart of any functioning democracy, serving as a cornerstone for justice, equality, and the very fabric of society itself. As the United [...]
The rule of law is the bedrock of international relations and human rights, ensuring that nations adhere to established norms to protect humanity during times of conflict. Within this framework, the laws of armed conflict delineate appropriate conduct in wartime through fundamental principles: military necessity, proportionality, unnecessary suffering, and discrimination. The foundational tenet of the [...]
The rule of law has long been considered a cornerstone of American democracy, safeguarding individual rights, ensuring justice, and regulating the conduct of public officials within a framework of established laws. However, a troubling trend has emerged in recent years — a significant erosion of respect for this foundational principle. This decline is evidenced through [...]
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has illuminated the critical need for accountability on the international stage, particularly regarding violations of sovereignty and acts of aggressive warfare. President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine not only pose a significant threat to global peace but also challenge the foundational principles of international law. Prosecuting Putin for the international [...]
