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Mike Schmitt

@mikeschmitt.bsky.social
2.4K followers 449 following 85 posts

Professor of International Law, Reading University

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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 17h
My latest, with Klaudia Klonowska, asks when States may be responsible under international law for AI-related conduct by private firms and armed groups during an armed conflict. lieber.westpoint.edu/artificial-i...
lieber.westpoint.edu
Lieber Studies Non-State Actor Attribution Volume Series - Artificial Intelligence and Attribution of Non-State Actors’ Conduct to States - Lieber Institute West Point
This post catalogs the bases for attribution of non-State actor conduct and asks how the fact that conduct involves AI affects attribution.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
My analysis of the legal issues raised by the recent announcement of US weapons in space.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 23/09/2026
@mikeschmitt.bsky.social outlines the body of international law governing the placement and use of weapons in outer space.
justsecurity.org
Expert Backgrounder: Weapons in Space Under International Law
An expert outlines the body of international law governing the placement and use of weapons in outer space.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
9/ From @mikeschmitt.bsky.social, @rgoodlaw.bsky.social, & me, a broad-ranging Q&A answers the most common legal questions on the boat strikes (& #Venezuela operations/the Maduro capture) in one place: www.justsecurity.org/126156/faq-v...
justsecurity.org
Expert Q&A on U.S. Military Actions on Venezuela and Boat Strikes
Expert FAQ on the U.S. military operations against Venezuela, high seas boat strikes, seizure of vessels and more.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
5/ @martylederman.bsky.social argued the strike violated multiple bodies of law & marked a dangerous line for the military to have crossed: It had been "sacrosanct DoD policy" not to purposefully use lethal force against civilians alleged to be violating the law, until now.
justsecurity.org
The Many Ways in Which the Caribbean Strike was Unlawful
Legal expert on domestic authority and law most relevant to the US strike on alleged Venezuelan drug boat
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
4/ There was never a viable legal case for the campaign. As @bcfinucane.bsky.social laid out, just days after the first strike, there is no domestic or international law justification for killing suspected traffickers outside the context of an armed conflict: www.justsecurity.org/119982/legal...
justsecurity.org
Legal Issues Raised by a Lethal U.S. Military Attack in the Caribbean
The Trump administration’s extraordinary lethal attack on this purported smuggling vessel raises significant potential legal issues.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
1/Today marks 1 yr of the President's extrajudicial killing campaign at sea, carried out by the military—220+ people dead @justsecurity.org has tracked the legal, policy, & moral fallout from day 1 In calmer times, it would be the story of our era A few must-reads below, plus the full Collection:
justsecurity.org
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.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
3/ Bookmark this: A continually updated timeline of the boat strikes and related events 👇 www.justsecurity.org/124002/timel...
justsecurity.org
Timeline of Boat Strikes and Related Actions
A timeline that chronicles major events in the Trump administration’s campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
2/ Today we published a powerful essay by 3 former senior U.S. Coast Guard officials: - They know what works (and doesn't) in counternarcotics & maritime operations - They warn of moral injury to all involved - They urge that "the architects of this policy should ultimately be held accountable"
justsecurity.org
America's War on Drug Smugglers at Sea Is Unlawful—and It Is Failing
U.S. strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels mark an unlawful expansion of military force into a law enforcement mission.
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Reading Law School @unirdg-law.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Professor @mikeschmitt.bsky.social's latest post for @justsecurity.org
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The recent IDF decisions to open criminal investigations in two possible war crimes cases, and not to do so in three others, can only be understood and assessed based on an understanding of the IDF's military justice system. In this piece, I explain its composition and processes.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
My thoughts on the international law governing Iran's demands regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 10/08/2026
1/ Introducing Just Security’s #ReinventionBlueprints! Our new series asks a simple but urgent question: how could U.S. government institutions be fundamentally restructured to serve the public and meet today’s challenges? Stay tuned and check back for bold, practical blueprints by leading experts:
justsecurity.org
Welcome to Just Security's Reinvention Blueprints
Just Security's Reinvention Blueprints series features expert proposals to rebuild U.S. government institutions so they serve the public and meet today's challenges.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Operations against Iran have been airpower-intensive. My thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of airpower and how it is best employed.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
My explanation of the law governing attacks on civilian infrastructure, a growing phenomenon in the current conflicts.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
My thoughts on how well U.S. operations against Iran track with the principles Clausewitz set forth in "On War," the holy scripture of strategy.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
My thoughts on the removals of senior military officers (with 900+ combined years of experience) by the Secretary of Defense and the impact on the operational/combat effectiveness of the U.S. armed forces.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
My thoughts on the Russian barrage that damaged Ukrainian historical/religious/cultural sites last week. The applicable law is crystal clear.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
My latest, on the Israeli campaign to kill or capture the Oct. 7 massacre participants. With @rcls-nyu.bsky.social colleague and friend, @rgoodlaw.bsky.social, EiC of Just Security.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
My explainer on how wars start and end
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
My analysis of the drone intrusions into the Baltic States with the superb Klaudia Klonowska.
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Reiss Center on Law and Security @rcls-nyu.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
"With Venezuela, the United States was briefly at war; with drug cartels and gangs in Latin America, the United States was not and never has been; and with Iran, the United States still is." Read analysis by @rcls-nyu.bsky.social Distinguished Scholar @mikeschmitt.bsky.social in @justsecurity.org👇
justsecurity.org
Is the United States (Still) at War? How Wars Begin and End
Armed conflict is not a matter of political branding, rhetorical convenience, or domestic law positioning. It is a fact-based legal status.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
My analysis of US actions regarding Cuba with my friend Professor Rob McLaughlin of the University of Wollongong , and Commodore (ret), RoyalAustralian Navy
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
War Powers Reminder: As the War Powers Resolution's 60-day clock runs out for Trump's #Iran war: - The WPR does not create a 60 day law free zone - The war *already* violates the Constitution & the UN Charter, that doesn't change on May 1 - When the clock runs, the war will be *triply illegal*
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
In light of criticism of the Pope, my thoughts on the Just War Doctrine and whether the US operations comply.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
If you want a one-stop Q&A on targeting rules and the war with #Iran, @mikeschmitt.bsky.social, @rgoodlaw.bsky.social and I teamed up on this primer: www.justsecurity.org/135050/exper...
justsecurity.org
Expert Q&A: A Targeting Primer on Iran War
Leading legal experts Q&A analyzes how the law of armed conflict applies to United States, Israeli, Iranian strikes - focusing on targeting rules and civilian protections.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
As always, a pleasure to work with @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and @rgoodlaw.bsky.social on this targeting law primer in the Iran War context.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 15/03/2026
Expert Q&A on Key Law of Naval Warfare Issues in the Conflict with Iran By Michael Schmitt (@mikeschmitt.bsky.social ) and Rob McLaughlin
justsecurity.org
Expert Q & A on Key Law of Naval Warfare Issues in the Conflict with Iran
Leading legal experts on the law of naval warfare break down the key issues in the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 15/03/2026
Legal and Operational Issues in the Strait of Hormuz: Transit Passage Under Fire Reflecting on his own professional experiences in the Strait and legal expertise, former US Navy Commander, JAGC @marknevitt.bsky.social discusses key operational and legal concerns arising in #StraitofHormuz crisis.
justsecurity.org
Legal and Operational Issues in the Strait of Hormuz: Transit Passage Under Fire
"During my own transits through the Strait as a naval officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation, the narrow geography and proximity of Iranian territory were impossible to ignore."
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
My analysis of the sinking of the Iranian worship by a US sub — with CDR Elizabeth "Liz" Hutton (USCG) of the Naval War College’s Stockton Center
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Teamed up with @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and @rgoodlaw.bsky.social to consider US threats against Iran and a potential attack. Assessment? Unlawful.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
The Justice Department's OLC claims that assisting in war-sustaining activities amounts to direct participation, opening the individuals concerned to attack. It does not, as Charlie Trumbull and I explain
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
My thoughts on seizing a neutral tanker with law of naval warfare experts, Rob and Conor McLaughlin
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Thoughts on Maduro's POW status. Always learn so much from writing with new co-authors, and that was certainly the case with Tracey Begley and @brfarley.bsky.social. Real professionals who embrace teamwork and are a joy to work with. And, as always, thanks to the entire @justsecurity.org team.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
1/ This is what the world moving on without us looks like: paulwells.substack.com/p/the-carney...
paulwells.substack.com
The Carney doctrine
Open comment thread on the PM's Davos speech
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Analysis of whether international law would allow the acquisition of Greenland, with the ever-insightful (and joy to work with) @tessbridgeman.bsky.social, Co-Editor-in-Chief of @justsecurity.org.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
My latest - using unmarked aircraft to attack an alleged drug boat
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Reading Law School @unirdg-law.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
New post by Professor @mikeschmitt.bsky.social for @justsecurity.org.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 13/01/2026
Expert backgrounder What are the obligations of the NATO member States in coming to the assistance of Denmark if the United States uses force against Greenland? An examination of Article 5 of the Alliance and decision-making process. By @mikeschmitt.bsky.social
justsecurity.org
The North Atlantic Treaty and a U.S. Attack on Denmark
Would NATO have to defend Denmark if the United States attempted to seize Greenland forcibly? An analysis of NATO Article 5 obligations.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
My thoughts on whether NATO Allies would be obligated to come to Denmark's assistance if (I can't believe I am saying this) the United States were to attack. Answer: Yes.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
An update to the Venezuela Q&A with @tessbridgeman.bsky.social and @rgoodlaw.bsky.social, who always have something significant and insightful to say.
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Tess Bridgeman @tessbridgeman.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
My latest with the phenomenal @rgoodlaw.bsky.social and @mikeschmitt.bsky.social: International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
justsecurity.org
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
Experts survey the international law issues of Operation Absolute Resolve.
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Ryan Goodman @rgoodlaw.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
I believe folks know the important work we're doing at @justsecurity.org, especially in these challenging times. But we made this short video as a reminder! We really need your support this #GivingTuesday. For tax-deductible gifts: justsecurity.org/donate/
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
My thoughts with Just Security colleagues @rgoodlaw.bsky.social and @tessbridgeman.bsky.social on Saturday's U.S. operations into Venezuela and the international law issues they raised.
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Ryan Goodman @rgoodlaw.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
With President Trump saying U.S. "knocked out ... a big plant, or a big facility, where the ships come from" in Venezuela campaign. Also told CNN: "It was along the shore." Excellent expert analysis from October by @mikeschmitt.bsky.social: Attacking Drug Cartels in the Territory of Another State
justsecurity.org
Attacking Drug Cartels in the Territory of Another State
U.S. lethal operations against suspected cartel-affiliated individuals to date stretch applicable international law beyond recognition.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
My analysis of the Syrian strikes against ISIS with Just Security EiC @rgoodlaw.bsky.social
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
My latest - on the Venezuela Blockade. With my friend, Commodore (RAN ret'd) and Professor Rob McLaughlin. With thanks to the ever-professional team at @justsecurity.org
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
New piece on the duty to investigate the boat strikes under IHRL and LOAC with my @unirdg-law.bsky.social University of Reading Law School colleague Marko Milanovic.
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Mike Schmitt @mikeschmitt.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Greatly expanded Q & A regarding Operation Southern Spear, potential operations against Venezuela, tanker seizures, and more. With @justsecurity.org colleagues @tessbridgeman.bsky.social & @rgoodlaw.bsky.social. Feel free to send more questions via the link at the end of the piece.
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Benjamin Farley @brfarley.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Excellent step-by-step analysis of the legal issues in the Trump administration's murderous boat-strike campaign by @tessbridgeman.bsky.social @mikeschmitt.bsky.social & @rgoodlaw.bsky.social in @justsecurity.org--starting with no NIAC and ending with no targets: www.justsecurity.org/126553/opera...
justsecurity.org
Operation Southern Spear: Why the Crews, Drugs, and Boats are Not Targetable
A deep dive on the international law applicable to the U.S. military's lethal operations against suspected drug boats
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