U.S.-supported law, norms, and institutions are facing their greatest challenge since the end of the Cold War. Democratic states that have long supported a global architecture based on core principles of international law, human rights, pluralism, and free trade are facing intense polarization at home and new geopolitical pressures abroad. These internal debates complicate the task of building consensus—and making progress—on how to address complex capabilities and interests in various domains, such as outer space, or global issues like nuclear proliferation, climate change, and pandemics.
At the Center, we support cutting edge research, convene a range of stakeholders from across academia, government, civil society, and the private sector to debate and interrogate the issues and potential solutions, and develop concrete and impactful solutions that will advance national and global security while upholding and protecting the rights of individuals, communities, and the public good.
Deterrence as the MacGuffin: The Case for Arms Control in Outer Space
by David A. Koplow
This article examines the theory and practice of two partially contrasting policy approaches to US national security and global stability: deterrence, which has long been regarded as virtually the “Holy Grail” of post-World War II US strategy, and arms control, which offers alternative goals, procedures, and structures.
Learn More about David A. Koplow’s article on Deterrence as the MacGuffin
Projects
The result of more than 5 years of work by more than a dozen top legal scholars, The Virginia-Georgetown Manual is intended to reflect an objective assessment of the existing law (lex lata) of the jus ad bellum, with the hope that it can serve as a ready and valuable reference for government officials, both civilian and military, as well as for academics.
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Project
Space Law & Policy
The law of outer space is under stress. The prodigious growth in private-sector space activities is matched by a surge in military space activities. This includes the creation of the U.S. Space Force, the threat of Russia placing a nuclear weapon in orbit, and other countries continuing to experiment with anti-satellite weapons and techniques.
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People
Other Focus Areas
Use of Force, Human Security, and Justice
Advancing policies to protect civilians and promote human security in conflict zones.
National Security & Technology
The risks and opportunities at the intersection of national security law and emerging technologies.