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.
4,711 Articles

Biden’s First 100 Days on Immigration: A Test of Leadership
The president may ultimately be judged not on any so-called border “crisis,” but for whether he remains true to his principles in the face of opposition.

A Letter to President Biden from a Former Intelligence Officer: Close Guantanamo Bay
There is shame in the knowing. There is greater shame in knowing, and doing nothing. Mr. President, you can do something. End this horrible era of American history.

Key Takeaways From Latest FISA Court Opinion on Section 702 and FBI Warrantless Queries
A recently declassified FISA Court opinion shows how serious the threat is that Section 702 could be exploited as a loophole for warrantless surveillance in domestic policing.

Biden’s Decision to Pull Troops From Afghanistan Risks a Major Refugee Crisis
The US needs a global plan in the event brutal Taliban rule returns -- or even seems likely. An exodus risks upturning Iran, Turkey, and the EU.

The Need for More Chris Stevenses: A Memorial Lecture at UC Hastings Law
On April 14, UC Hastings Law School hosted the 7th annual Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens Lecture honoring the memory, life, and work of UC Hastings graduate Chris Stevens, who…

Biden Approach to Immigration, Outlined at UN Human Rights Council, Leaves Serious Gaps
The administration has the authority to protect people and comply with international law and best practices. That requires concrete steps immediately.

High-Level US Attention Needed for a Backsliding Democracy in Central Asia
Voters in Kyrgyzstan approved a referendum on April 11 that expands the president’s powers and threatens the most vibrant civil society in the region.

An Opportunity for Congress to Require Transparency of the Executive’s International Agreements
The newly introduced bipartisan legislation would constitute the most significant improvement in the transparency of international agreements since the enactment of the Case Act…

Biden Team’s Litigation Tactics on Guantanamo Undercut Biden Policy to Close the Prison
The administration's new moves before Supreme Court raise questions about whether it will more broadly decline to use straightforward tools to close Guantanamo and end indefinite…

Congress Must Stand with Civil Society and Strengthen the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program
Civil society coalitions have made GloMag a powerful tool to curb corruption and human rights abuses. Here's how Congress can sharpen this tool going forward.

Federal Agencies Face April Deadline on Secret JFK Files
Congress has mandated that agencies update the public on thousands of files related to the JFK assassination by April 26. Previous disclosures have been incomplete. Will agencies…

Combating Transnational Authoritarian Kleptocracy: Cracking Down on Western Professional Enablers
Effectively battling corruption and human rights abuses requires the tools provided by the Global Magnitsky Act - including the ability to target those who aid money laundering.…