Andrew M Bell
@andrewmbell.bsky.social
Senior Research Scholar, Stanford CISAC
Law of armed conflict/IHL, military ethics, int'l security & law | USAF vet.
Law of armed conflict/IHL, military ethics, int'l security & law | USAF vet.
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
A new analysis argues the US killing of survivors from a Venezuelan drug-boat incident reflects a broader pattern of military actions carried out with impunity. CISAC scholar @andrewmbell.bsky.social explains implications for regional stability & international law
theconversation.com/us-accused-o...
theconversation.com/us-accused-o...
US accused of killing Venezuelan drug boat survivors – Trump’s military agenda is based on impunity
The Trump administration’s military strategy in Latin America breaches long-established legal rules and norms in three key ways.
theconversation.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:10 PM
A new analysis argues the US killing of survivors from a Venezuelan drug-boat incident reflects a broader pattern of military actions carried out with impunity. CISAC scholar @andrewmbell.bsky.social explains implications for regional stability & international law
theconversation.com/us-accused-o...
theconversation.com/us-accused-o...
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
My latest this AM with @warontherocks.bsky.social. Of note: "[Military officers] will be active participants with choices to make about the degree to which they continue to serve civilians intent on undermining the liberal values enshrined in the Constitution."
1/
warontherocks.com/2025/12/the-...
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warontherocks.com/2025/12/the-...
The Soldier in the Illiberal State is a Professional Dead End
The American political system today is indeed in crisis. Government function is in doubt, the administration has politicized and weaponized a previously
warontherocks.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:34 PM
My latest this AM with @warontherocks.bsky.social. Of note: "[Military officers] will be active participants with choices to make about the degree to which they continue to serve civilians intent on undermining the liberal values enshrined in the Constitution."
1/
warontherocks.com/2025/12/the-...
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warontherocks.com/2025/12/the-...
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Really good discussion here between Todd Huntley and @ichotiner.bsky.social.
Highly recommended.
www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a...
Highly recommended.
www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a...
The Legal Consequences of Pete Hegseth’s “Kill Them All” Order
A former military judge on the Trump Administration’s contradictory—and likely unlawful—justifications for its Caribbean bombing campaign.
www.newyorker.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Really good discussion here between Todd Huntley and @ichotiner.bsky.social.
Highly recommended.
www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a...
Highly recommended.
www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a...
Re #Hegseth Venezuela drug boat attacks: This is terrific insight into JSOC strike process but critically doesn’t include the role of JAG legal officers in targeting cycle.
Normally JAGs advise on LOAC/law issues for US strikes…unless something has gone horribly wrong (which it has)
Normally JAGs advise on LOAC/law issues for US strikes…unless something has gone horribly wrong (which it has)
JSOC and SEAL Team 6 have spent a decade-plus orchestrating drone strikes on land, including when Bradley was the Team 6 commander overseeing Somalia/Yemen strikes—and reattacks to kill survivors, who in a land context are not as categorically hors de combat as at sea, were routine during them:
December 1, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Re #Hegseth Venezuela drug boat attacks: This is terrific insight into JSOC strike process but critically doesn’t include the role of JAG legal officers in targeting cycle.
Normally JAGs advise on LOAC/law issues for US strikes…unless something has gone horribly wrong (which it has)
Normally JAGs advise on LOAC/law issues for US strikes…unless something has gone horribly wrong (which it has)
New in @theconversation.com: Thomas Gift & I discuss Trump admin's strikes on Venezuelan drug boat survivors and its overall agenda of military impunity- drawing on analysis by @bcfinucane.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social @danmaurerlawprof.bsky.social and others theconversation.com/us-accused-o...
US accused of killing Venezuelan drug boat survivors – Trump’s military agenda is based on impunity
The Trump administration’s military strategy in Latin America breaches long-established legal rules and norms in three key ways.
theconversation.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM
New in @theconversation.com: Thomas Gift & I discuss Trump admin's strikes on Venezuelan drug boat survivors and its overall agenda of military impunity- drawing on analysis by @bcfinucane.bsky.social @becingber.bsky.social @danmaurerlawprof.bsky.social and others theconversation.com/us-accused-o...
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Important piece by my @justsecurity.org colleague and former Navy JAG @marknevitt.bsky.social.
www.justsecurity.org/125998/boat-...
www.justsecurity.org/125998/boat-...
Killing Shipwrecked Survivors is Not Just Illegal—It Endangers U.S. Servicemembers
If the United States chooses a path where killing defenseless survivors becomes acceptable, American servicemembers will pay the price for that choice.
www.justsecurity.org
December 1, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Important piece by my @justsecurity.org colleague and former Navy JAG @marknevitt.bsky.social.
www.justsecurity.org/125998/boat-...
www.justsecurity.org/125998/boat-...
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Excellent explainer by the inimitable @tessbridgeman.bsky.social, @rgoodlaw.bsky.social, and @mikeschmitt.bsky.social
Unlawful Orders and Killing Shipwrecked Boat Strike Survivors: An Expert Backgrounder
An expert backgrounder on the reported Hegseth "no quarter" order to kill everyone aboard a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean on Sept. 2.
www.justsecurity.org
December 1, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Excellent explainer by the inimitable @tessbridgeman.bsky.social, @rgoodlaw.bsky.social, and @mikeschmitt.bsky.social
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Useful explainer for media covering the boat strikes. Here’s the gist:
It’s not an armed conflict, so the boat strikes are murder.
If it were an armed conflict, targeted killing of civilians is a war crime.
EVEN IF these are combatants in an armed conflict, killing the shipwrecked is a war crime.
It’s not an armed conflict, so the boat strikes are murder.
If it were an armed conflict, targeted killing of civilians is a war crime.
EVEN IF these are combatants in an armed conflict, killing the shipwrecked is a war crime.
Excellent explainer by the inimitable @tessbridgeman.bsky.social, @rgoodlaw.bsky.social, and @mikeschmitt.bsky.social
Unlawful Orders and Killing Shipwrecked Boat Strike Survivors: An Expert Backgrounder
An expert backgrounder on the reported Hegseth "no quarter" order to kill everyone aboard a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean on Sept. 2.
www.justsecurity.org
December 1, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Useful explainer for media covering the boat strikes. Here’s the gist:
It’s not an armed conflict, so the boat strikes are murder.
If it were an armed conflict, targeted killing of civilians is a war crime.
EVEN IF these are combatants in an armed conflict, killing the shipwrecked is a war crime.
It’s not an armed conflict, so the boat strikes are murder.
If it were an armed conflict, targeted killing of civilians is a war crime.
EVEN IF these are combatants in an armed conflict, killing the shipwrecked is a war crime.
By happenstance I'm visiting the Netherlands Defense Academy today....Was particularly moved by this essential Veteran's Day read nytimes.com/2025/11/11/o...
Opinion | If Only More Americans Could See This Place
nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:50 PM
By happenstance I'm visiting the Netherlands Defense Academy today....Was particularly moved by this essential Veteran's Day read nytimes.com/2025/11/11/o...
Personal update: I've started a new position as Senior Research Scholar at the Stanford Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC). Thrilled for the opportunity to continue my research on law, ethics, and civilian protection and join the amazing @stanfordcisac.bsky.social community
October 15, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Personal update: I've started a new position as Senior Research Scholar at the Stanford Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC). Thrilled for the opportunity to continue my research on law, ethics, and civilian protection and join the amazing @stanfordcisac.bsky.social community
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
This is the power the President is claiming when he uses war to justify summary execution of suspected criminals at sea —
If he is claiming power to do it on the high seas, he’s saying he can do it in Chicago. And if he’s claiming this is war, he saying he can accept civilian casualties.
If he is claiming power to do it on the high seas, he’s saying he can do it in Chicago. And if he’s claiming this is war, he saying he can accept civilian casualties.
What no limiting principle on Caribbean strikes means for Chicago
YouTube video by Just Security
www.youtube.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:27 PM
This is the power the President is claiming when he uses war to justify summary execution of suspected criminals at sea —
If he is claiming power to do it on the high seas, he’s saying he can do it in Chicago. And if he’s claiming this is war, he saying he can accept civilian casualties.
If he is claiming power to do it on the high seas, he’s saying he can do it in Chicago. And if he’s claiming this is war, he saying he can accept civilian casualties.
Personal update: Thrilled to announce I've joined the #DoD's Civilian Protection Center of Excellence (#CPCOE) as lead of professional military education initiatives. Proud to contribute efforts to improve U.S. mil capabilities & operations while helping protect innocents in war.
February 6, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Personal update: Thrilled to announce I've joined the #DoD's Civilian Protection Center of Excellence (#CPCOE) as lead of professional military education initiatives. Proud to contribute efforts to improve U.S. mil capabilities & operations while helping protect innocents in war.
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Headed to APSA 2025? I’m putting together a panel on new approaches to military effectiveness. All methods + time periods welcome! (We have an experiment on discrimination and unit cohesion, for example). If you’re interested, send me an email.
December 15, 2024 at 5:05 PM
Headed to APSA 2025? I’m putting together a panel on new approaches to military effectiveness. All methods + time periods welcome! (We have an experiment on discrimination and unit cohesion, for example). If you’re interested, send me an email.
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Reminder! The deadline is tomorrow!!
Hey #civmilsky #milsky and military historians!
We have EXTENDED the deadline for conference proposals for the CMRC's annual CMRC Conference! The theme this year is, "Civil-Military Relations Across the Globe." New deadline is Dec 9!
Apply today here: cmrc.armywarcollege.edu/outreach-pro...
We have EXTENDED the deadline for conference proposals for the CMRC's annual CMRC Conference! The theme this year is, "Civil-Military Relations Across the Globe." New deadline is Dec 9!
Apply today here: cmrc.armywarcollege.edu/outreach-pro...
Conference – USAWC Civil-Military Relations Center
cmrc.armywarcollege.edu
December 9, 2024 at 2:45 AM
Reminder! The deadline is tomorrow!!
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Even historians of Vietnam don't really talk about this:
From January - July 1968, the KIA rate for U.S. troops in Vietnam was higher than the Korean War or the Mediterranean and Pacific Theatres of World War II.
During 1968-69 U.S. troops were wounded at a higher rate than World War II or Korea.
From January - July 1968, the KIA rate for U.S. troops in Vietnam was higher than the Korean War or the Mediterranean and Pacific Theatres of World War II.
During 1968-69 U.S. troops were wounded at a higher rate than World War II or Korea.
December 6, 2024 at 3:24 PM
Even historians of Vietnam don't really talk about this:
From January - July 1968, the KIA rate for U.S. troops in Vietnam was higher than the Korean War or the Mediterranean and Pacific Theatres of World War II.
During 1968-69 U.S. troops were wounded at a higher rate than World War II or Korea.
From January - July 1968, the KIA rate for U.S. troops in Vietnam was higher than the Korean War or the Mediterranean and Pacific Theatres of World War II.
During 1968-69 U.S. troops were wounded at a higher rate than World War II or Korea.
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
i think INTERSTELLAR is a bona fide masterpiece — maybe nolan's greatest film — and i'm not at all ashamed to say that i weep every time i watch it.
Interstellar’s Most Enduring Quality Is What People Used to Hate About It
Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi spectacle is fascinating precisely because of what so many pegged as its fatal flaw in 2014: its unabashed emotionality.
www.vulture.com
December 6, 2024 at 5:18 PM
i think INTERSTELLAR is a bona fide masterpiece — maybe nolan's greatest film — and i'm not at all ashamed to say that i weep every time i watch it.
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Probably one of the best things I’ve ever seen tbh
November 23, 2024 at 10:12 PM
Probably one of the best things I’ve ever seen tbh
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Welcome @articlesofwar.bsky.social. A superb resource on the jus ad bellum, IHL/LOAC, and other issues at the intersection of international law and military operations by West Point’s Lieber Institute. Subscribe and consider contributing.
November 23, 2024 at 2:28 AM
Welcome @articlesofwar.bsky.social. A superb resource on the jus ad bellum, IHL/LOAC, and other issues at the intersection of international law and military operations by West Point’s Lieber Institute. Subscribe and consider contributing.
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
I had about 10 minutes to create this, so tons of people are unintentionally missing. So please include yourself and share widely!
go.bsky.app/VH75HUu
go.bsky.app/VH75HUu
November 20, 2024 at 2:15 PM
I had about 10 minutes to create this, so tons of people are unintentionally missing. So please include yourself and share widely!
go.bsky.app/VH75HUu
go.bsky.app/VH75HUu
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Another successful Editorial Committee meeting this week in Geneva, discussing draft commentaries on the Fourth Geneva Convention for the updated ICRC commentary. We expect online publication in 2025. Existing commentaries available here: ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treat...
#IHL #IntLaw #ICRC
#IHL #IntLaw #ICRC
November 21, 2024 at 10:19 AM
Another successful Editorial Committee meeting this week in Geneva, discussing draft commentaries on the Fourth Geneva Convention for the updated ICRC commentary. We expect online publication in 2025. Existing commentaries available here: ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treat...
#IHL #IntLaw #ICRC
#IHL #IntLaw #ICRC
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
🚨Thrilled to see my latest article (open access) with Benoît Pelopidas now out with Ethics and International Affairs.
We consider the limits of “tragedy” in the context of military violence and argue for a renewed focus on political responsibility. 1/6
doi.org/10.1017/S089...
We consider the limits of “tragedy” in the context of military violence and argue for a renewed focus on political responsibility. 1/6
doi.org/10.1017/S089...
The Tragedy Trap: On the Tragicized Politics of Nuclear Weapons and Armed Drones and the Making of Unaccountability | Ethics & International Affairs | Cambridge Core
The Tragedy Trap: On the Tragicized Politics of Nuclear Weapons and Armed Drones and the Making of Unaccountability - Volume 38 Issue 2
doi.org
November 22, 2024 at 6:19 PM
🚨Thrilled to see my latest article (open access) with Benoît Pelopidas now out with Ethics and International Affairs.
We consider the limits of “tragedy” in the context of military violence and argue for a renewed focus on political responsibility. 1/6
doi.org/10.1017/S089...
We consider the limits of “tragedy” in the context of military violence and argue for a renewed focus on political responsibility. 1/6
doi.org/10.1017/S089...
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
⭐Job Alert ⭐
GW's Elliott School & Political Science Dept are hiring a full-time, tenured Assoc/Full Prof. in security studies beginning Fall 2025. Seeking a strong track record of research, teaching & policy engagement in the field of security studies, broadly defined.
www.gwu.jobs/postings/116...
GW's Elliott School & Political Science Dept are hiring a full-time, tenured Assoc/Full Prof. in security studies beginning Fall 2025. Seeking a strong track record of research, teaching & policy engagement in the field of security studies, broadly defined.
www.gwu.jobs/postings/116...
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs
Security studies: The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and Department of Political Science invite applications for a full-time, tenured faculty position in securi...
www.gwu.jobs
November 22, 2024 at 9:35 PM
⭐Job Alert ⭐
GW's Elliott School & Political Science Dept are hiring a full-time, tenured Assoc/Full Prof. in security studies beginning Fall 2025. Seeking a strong track record of research, teaching & policy engagement in the field of security studies, broadly defined.
www.gwu.jobs/postings/116...
GW's Elliott School & Political Science Dept are hiring a full-time, tenured Assoc/Full Prof. in security studies beginning Fall 2025. Seeking a strong track record of research, teaching & policy engagement in the field of security studies, broadly defined.
www.gwu.jobs/postings/116...
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Launching a new resource mapping state reactions to the #ICC arrest warrants for #Netanyahu and Gallant, thanks to @becingber.bsky.social and the @justsecurity.org team.
Check back for updates:
www.justsecurity.org/105064/mappi...
Check back for updates:
www.justsecurity.org/105064/mappi...
Mapping State Reactions to the ICC Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
Mapping how states are responding to the ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant.
www.justsecurity.org
November 22, 2024 at 7:08 PM
Launching a new resource mapping state reactions to the #ICC arrest warrants for #Netanyahu and Gallant, thanks to @becingber.bsky.social and the @justsecurity.org team.
Check back for updates:
www.justsecurity.org/105064/mappi...
Check back for updates:
www.justsecurity.org/105064/mappi...
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
Ok @mikeschmitt.bsky.social made me realise there was no proper international humanitarian law starter pack so I’ve created my first one. It is far from being complete so please feel free to mention yourself and/or others who should be included!
go.bsky.app/N6Bw1E7
go.bsky.app/N6Bw1E7
November 16, 2024 at 3:55 PM
Ok @mikeschmitt.bsky.social made me realise there was no proper international humanitarian law starter pack so I’ve created my first one. It is far from being complete so please feel free to mention yourself and/or others who should be included!
go.bsky.app/N6Bw1E7
go.bsky.app/N6Bw1E7
Reposted by Andrew M Bell
@ralphjanik.com Hello Ralph, please consider adding us to your excellent pack. Many thanks!
@epolicinski.bsky.social
@ximenalondono.bsky.social
@thodsm.bsky.social
@jonathanhorowitz.bsky.social
@mpollard.bsky.social
@epolicinski.bsky.social
@ximenalondono.bsky.social
@thodsm.bsky.social
@jonathanhorowitz.bsky.social
@mpollard.bsky.social
November 22, 2024 at 6:54 PM
@ralphjanik.com Hello Ralph, please consider adding us to your excellent pack. Many thanks!
@epolicinski.bsky.social
@ximenalondono.bsky.social
@thodsm.bsky.social
@jonathanhorowitz.bsky.social
@mpollard.bsky.social
@epolicinski.bsky.social
@ximenalondono.bsky.social
@thodsm.bsky.social
@jonathanhorowitz.bsky.social
@mpollard.bsky.social