Terrorism & Violent Extremism
Just Security provides expert legal and policy analysis of terrorism, counterterrorism, and domestic and international violent extremism.
Highlights:

Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers, Operation Southern Spear, Operation Absolute Resolve
Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.

Caesar Act Repeal and the Syria Sanctions Removal Report Card
Where things stand along the path of Syria sanctions removal and what restrictions remain to inhibit burgeoning investment and development in post-Assad Syria.

An Analysis of Resolution 2803 and the International Stabilization Force: A Militarized Enforcement Mission with Precarious Legal and Strategic Implications
UN Resolution 2803 authorizes a Gaza stabilization force under U.S. guidance, raising questions about legality, impartiality, and risks to Palestinian self-rule.

How the DOJ is Prosecuting Nihilistic Violent Extremism as Domestic Terrorism
The DOJ has charged an alleged nihilistic violent extremist with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists for the first time.

The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part IV
Co-hosted with RCLS, a panel of experts discuss the Trump administration's continued campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers.

Just Security’s Climate Archive
A catalog of articles analyzing the diplomatic, political, legal, security, and humanitarian consequences of the international climate crisis.
2,233 Articles

From Secret Law (2001-2024) to None at All (2025-present)
The Trump administration's lethal strikes are the apotheosis of the last quarter century's often always secret and often unreviewable executive branch legal reasoning.

State Dept’s Foreign Terrorist Designations Undermine Claims of “Antifa” Threat
Leading counter-extremism expert unpacks the administration's claimed designation of "Antifa Groups"

The Just Security Podcast: Examining the Trump Administration’s New Antifa Designations
Tom Joscelyn talks with former DOJ counsel Tom Brzozowski about new Antifa designations, their civil liberties impact, and changing limits on speech and association.

The Political Theater Behind Trump’s “Guns-a-Blazing” Nigeria Threat
Trump’s threat of military intervention in Nigeria may be intended more for domestic audiences and wouldn't address the drivers of the country's conflict.

Walls of Silence, Crumbling Futures: Why the World Must Act on Afghanistan
The credibility of the U.N.'s human rights framework depends on whether it can confront a systematic experiment in gender oppression with more than statements of alarm.

The Feedback Loop Between Online Extremism and Acts of Violence
Each new incident of political violence is followed by a wave of digital celebration, intimidation, and imitation. Responses remain polarized and superficial.

How Designating Antifa as a Foreign Terrorist Organization Could Threaten Civil Liberties
If the Trump administration designates Antifa as an FTO, it could have implications extending beyond anti-fascist activists to the entire architecture of U.S. civil society.

Correctly Assessing Left-Wing Terrorism and Political Violence in the United States
A recent published report risks feeding false narratives about political violence and polarization.

The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part III
Tess Bridgeman is joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to assess the latest strikes, the brief detention of two survivors, where the campaign may be headed, and what…

A New Approach in the Fight Against Transnational Violent Extremism is Needed
If the U.S. and foreign partners could strategically deploy their counterterrorism programs to deliberately target a common enemy, all would mutually benefit.

Swatting Attacks and Nihilistic Violent Extremism: A Primer
Swatting attacks are sometimes dismissed as pranks or hoaxes. But they’ve wreaked havoc on college campuses this year and a network of extremists is behind many of them.

Assassinations in America: How Political Violence Became Personal
Americans can no longer turn to their political leadership to avert the catastrophe of political violence.