Congress

Just Security’s expert authors offer analysis of U.S. Congress’ role in national security, foreign affairs, the rule of law, and rights. Coverage includes analysis and informational resources related to the legislative process, oversight and investigations of the executive branch, and major debates on the separation of powers and Congress’ constitutional role.

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2,621 Articles
A US Predator unmanned drone armed with a missile stands on the tarmac of Kandahar military airport on June 13, 2010.

Biden’s New Counterterrorism Policy Guidance Further Entrenches the Forever War

Biden's classified policy memorandum on counterterrorism drone strikes is just one more stepping stone in the long path of the forever war.
Graffiti showing a US drone is depicted on a wall to protest against US drone strikes on September 19, 2018 in Sana'a, Yemen.

Assessing Biden’s New Policy Framework for Counterterrorism Direct Action

Biden's new counterterrorism framework is consistent with policy efforts to dial back the war on terror.
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Biden’s Democracy Gap: How U.S. Policy Helps Underwrite Egypt’s Human Rights Crisis

The Biden administration should reconsider withholding military aid to Egypt in light of its continuing human rights abuses.
A woman sitting at a laptop computer watches an investigation film by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny showing a lavish palace, located along Russia's southern Black Sea, that Navalny claimed is owned by Russian President Vladimir Putin, on January 25, 2021 in Moscow. Putin denied owning the property. (Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

The Urgency of Sustaining Momentum in the Fight Against Kleptocracy

It fueled Russia's war on Ukraine. Now it's time for democratic societies to address this challenge for the long haul, including at home.

11 Takeaways from Senate Hearing on Expanding War Crimes Act and a Crimes Against Humanity Statute

Bipartisan hearing with takeaways for Ukraine War, International Criminal Court, war crimes and torture prosecutions and more.
Overhead shot of people in suits seated at a portion of circular table, all watching individual screens with the same image of a person speaking.

The United Nations in Hindsight: The Long and Winding Road to Security Council Reform

The UN Security Council's inability to address Russia's war against Ukraine has generated renewed interest in ideas for Security Council reform -- but "the path to reform may be…
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) (R-SC) listens as Sen. Richard Blumenthal (L) (D-CT) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. Blumenthal and Graham introduced a Senate resolution affirming that the Senate views the actions of the Russian Federation, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, as sponsoring acts of terrorism, and calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

How Congress Should Designate Russia a State Sponsor of Terrorism

A better approach would be for Congress to impose additional targeted sanctions on Russia, but not through the one-size-fits-all state sponsor of terrorism designation.
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest outside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.

Lessons Learned from the January 6th Intelligence Failures

The Jan. 6 paradox: Domestic intelligence agencies lack the tools they need, while agencies with the tools lack the authorities to act.
A row of dark green tanks roll down the street during a military parade in Nicaragua. The sky is light blue with red flags above the tanks.

Human Rights Due Diligence: A Defense Industry Business Necessity

An upfront investment in such practices can not only improve human rights outcomes but also save companies substantial downstream costs.
An airplane flies over a line of national flags.

National Security Creep in Cross-Border Investments

There has been a recent bipartisan shift to frame economic issues—among many others—in national security terms.
A child stands near two US army vehicles, which carry American flags. Nearby is a male American military officer.

How the FY23 NDAA Can Strengthen Oversight and Transparency of U.S. Security Assistance and Civilian Harm (Part II)

The draft NDAA contains a number of important provisions for preventing and responding to civilian harm.
A line of US soldiers walk in the countryside of the town of al-Malikiya in Syria.

Tit-for-Tat Hostilities In Syria: War Powers and International Law Implications

The Biden administration's latest war powers report to Congress and letter to the UN Security Council raise questions about the domestic and international legal basis for hostilities…
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