Just Security

Export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment are critical to limiting China's advanced chip production capabilities, but U.S. policy gaps and inconsistent implementation have allowed China to exploit loopholes. The U.S. is promoting plurilateral cooperation through the STRIDE Act to harmonize export controls with allies, countering China's ambitions to dominate foundational chip markets and threaten global technological and military security.

The United States and Iran exchanged strikes, with the U.S. targeting Iranian missile and drone sites and Iran retaliating against U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Iran reported 14 deaths and 78 injuries from U.S. strikes, while U.S. and regional forces shot down missiles and drones. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were attacked by hard-line supporters during a funeral procession. President Trump indicated potential de-escalation after Iran reportedly sought a deal.

The Trump administration's actions, including targeted killings of suspected drug traffickers at sea, misuse of congressionally allocated funds, and manipulation of the Department of Justice, have been challenged as illegal and unconstitutional. Court decisions at multiple levels have repudiated these policies, but the administration has responded with threats and defiance, highlighting systemic governance flaws in the U.S. legal and political framework.

The article examines five recurring narratives criticizing international law, particularly its regulation of military force, using contexts like the Ukraine war, Gaza war, and Iran. It argues these narratives—such as international law being a facade for power politics or too dogmatic—are often flawed, reflecting tensions between power and universal norms.

The Trump Administration's actions, including a June 12, 2026, Commerce Department directive requiring licenses for Anthropic's AI models, created uncertainty about foreign-person employees' access to frontier AI development. After Anthropic suspended model access globally, including for its own foreign employees, the controls were later lifted but remain a potential threat to future models. National Security Presidential Memorandum 11 encouraged AI companies to assist with vetting foreign talent to balance security and innovation.

Iran and the United States exchanged strikes after Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump ordered U.S. military strikes on Iran and revoked a sanctions waiver, while Iran claimed the ceasefire was rendered ineffective. World oil prices rose over 5% following Trump's declaration that the interim deal with Iran was over.

Venezuela is struggling to recover from deadly earthquakes amid economic collapse and U.S. sanctions. The U.S. has provided limited aid and a partial sanctions waiver, but the article argues that lifting all sanctions is necessary for adequate relief and reconstruction.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced new defense contracts at the Ankara summit to strengthen alliance sustainability. President Trump is set to restore Turkey's F-35 fighter jet program, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu urged Trump to avoid arms sales to Turkey that could aid its air force modernization. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for increased air defense systems to counter Russian attacks.

The article argues that transitional justice in Syria must address historical injustices spanning decades, including under Ottoman/French rule and the Assad regimes, to prevent ongoing social divisions. It emphasizes the need for historical commissions to contextualize past atrocities like the 1982 Hama massacre and century-old land theft grievances, distinguishing them from truth commissions focused on recent crimes.

Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv, killing at least 11 people and damaging apartment blocks. Ukraine faces interceptor shortages for its Patriot defense system. President Trump offered to mediate the Russia-Ukraine war during a call with Putin. Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried, with his son Mojtaba absent due to injuries. A U.S. Navy helicopter crashed in the Arabian Sea, with the search suspended.

President Donald Trump aims to advance NATO's transformation into a more defense-focused alliance at the July 7-8 Ankara Summit, with European allies like Poland and Germany increasing military contributions to counter Russian aggression. However, concerns persist about the Trump administration's commitment to maintaining U.S. military presence in Europe and honoring NATO defense obligations.

The article explains how international law underpins everyday American life, using a Fourth of July barbecue as an example. It highlights the American Society of International Law's work and discusses the U.S. withdrawal from international organizations.

The Trump administration faces accusations of undermining First Amendment rights through actions like tear-gassing protestors at an ICE facility, suing a media outlet, and targeting a poll worker's social media post. These actions have spurred a cross-partisan coalition defending free speech, including Republican governors, businesses, and conservative media outlets, despite differing policy views. The Department of Justice has also indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center, raising concerns about threats to democratic accountability.

Congress is considering reforms to military promotion regulations after the Department of Defense removed officers from promotion lists, revealing gaps in the statutory framework. The Supreme Court's Trump v. Slaughter decision does not limit Congress's Article I authority to structure military promotions before appointments, allowing reforms to address transparency and accountability. Proposals include blocking unauthorized removals and requiring congressional notification for promotion delays or dismissals.

Russian missile and drone strikes in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities killed at least 17 people and damaged over 30 locations, including residential buildings and a medical facility. A study revealed over 2 million Russian and Ukrainian troops have been killed or wounded since the war began in February 2022. Iran and the U.S. concluded indirect talks without progress on key issues, while Russia is using shadow ships to launch drones disrupting European aviation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar signed agreements to enhance defense cooperation, including a comprehensive Underwater Domain Awareness roadmap and expanded Quad initiatives. However, U.S. export control unpredictability, including ad-hoc licensing practices, complicates India's ability to implement these agreements, despite multi-billion-dollar joint projects under initiatives like iCET and INDUS-X.

International frameworks for military AI governance, such as UNGA resolutions 79/239 and 80/58 and the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of AI, have advanced norms for autonomous weapons systems. However, civilian AI systems mediating access to rights and services remain under-regulated, creating a governance imbalance. The U.N. Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on AI warned of an accountability deficit in civilian AI deployment, particularly in post-conflict settings where institutional capacity is limited.

President Trump considered escalating military action against Iran but opted for continued diplomatic negotiations, with officials noting flexibility on a nuclear deal deadline. Oman proposed a voluntary fee system for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia blocked a U.S. operation there, prompting U.S. threats to reduce military support. In Lebanon, 400,000 displaced people have returned to southern regions amid ongoing Israeli military presence.

Public bodies tasked with setting AI standards have largely failed to produce specifications, leading to delays in regulations like the EU’s AI Act. Providers are self-defining compliance requirements due to gaps between technical AI safety expertise and legal regulatory frameworks.

Anthropic's Claude Mythos AI model can rapidly identify and exploit software vulnerabilities, prompting U.S. government reevaluation of AI oversight. The article highlights strategic risks in software supply chains, including governance gaps and foreign influence, urging defense officials to apply rigorous scrutiny to critical systems akin to physical supply chains.