Executive Branch
Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis of the U.S. executive branch related to national security, rights, and the rule of law. Analysis and informational resources focus on the executive branch’s powers and their limits, and the actions of the president, administrative agencies, and federal officials.
4,803 Articles
Litigation Tracker: Major Decisions Facing the Biden Administration
The Biden administration must decide whether to change course or maintain the Trump administration’s litigation approach in major Trump-era cases concerning national security…
When US Security and Democracy Interests Clash
How to break six common and unhelpful patterns in US engagement with security partners that abuse rights or democratic standards.
Questions on the Baghuz Strikes
A list of specific questions for members of Congress, reporters, and investigators to ask about the strike.
Escalating Risks on Europe’s Eastern Frontier: Belarus-Poland, Russia-Ukraine, and How the US Can Work With Its Allies
President Biden hoped for a more stable and predictable relationship with Russia. Time to deal with reality instead.
Unilateral Use of Force in the “National Interest”: Taiwan Doesn’t Meet the Test
Can the President use force to protect Taiwan in the "national interest" without congressional authorization?
US Focus on `Open Balkan’ Economic Project Risks Open Season Instead
In the current security crisis and regional context, such a response may amount to meeting a threat to peace with appeasement and bribery.
Reexamining the Fundamentals of the Drone Program After the Kabul Strike
"There are certainly unique circumstances to the Kabul strike, but if we miss the bigger lessons, we only invite further tragedy. "
Abuse of Interpol for Transnational Repression: Assessing the FY22 NDAA’s Provisions for Prevention
The act needs work, but could set a new standard in limiting Interpol abuse for assassinations, abductions, financial blacklisting and more.
Hidden Negligence: Aug. 29 Drone Strike is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
A deep analysis of the broader system in which the August 29 Kabul drone strike is situated, by top expert on civilian casualties and lead author of several Department of Defense…
Afghanistan: A Way Forward for Women and Girls
The US government must meaningfully consult with and listen to women inside and outside the country to support those left behind.
The Missing Kabul Drone Strike Report
"It is simply not credible that the entire investigative report must be withheld in order to protect (as one imagines the claim) sources and methods of intelligence-gathering."
A Soldier and His Establishment: In the Life of Colin Powell, Who Failed Whom?
The question to ask is not what he should have done differently, but what, if anything, his life suggests we should do differently.