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.
4,757 Articles
A Just Exit from Afghanistan
The US went to war to serve its own interests; it must acknowledge that those interests will only be served by an enduring peace.
The Official and Unofficial Timeline of Defense Department Actions on January 6
A look at the questionable omissions in the Pentagon’s official timeline of its actions on January 6.
Investigating Jan. 6 — Key Unanswered Questions for Congress and Media to Ask
Dozens of questions to focus on in Wednesday's congressional hearing.
Giuliani’s FARA Problem
Rudy Giuliani's communications – in the form of emails, WhatsApp messages, and phone logs between Giuliani and his associates – show that, in seeking Yovanovitch’s removal,…
Big Shoulders — How the US Can Remedy Its Failures on Refugee Admissions
Despite its size and wealth, America consistently fails to do its part in upholding the terms of an international convention it helped create.
The Guilty Verdict in the Chauvin Trial Did Not Cure America’s Over-policing Problem
While the guilty verdict provides a measure of accountability, the expansive U.S. criminal legal system still routinely enables police to wrongfully deprive people – particularly…
Stopping Torture: Why Professional Governance Failed, and How It Can Do Better
Professionals -- psychologists, physicians, lawyers -- played key parts in enabling post-9/11 torture programs. Yet professionalism can also constrain state power. Gregg Bloche…
Trump’s Secret Rules for Drone Strikes and Presidents’ Unchecked License to Kill
FOIA lawsuit obtains Trump administration's playbook. Hina Shamsi writes about the broader lessons for secret presidential powers.
Is Roger Stone Getting Off Easy for Tax Fraud?
Why is Roger Stone not being criminally prosecuted for tax evasion?
Hack-to-Patch by Law Enforcement Is a Dangerous Practice
Recent so-called hack-to-patch activity by law enforcement sets a dangerous precedent for the global business community. Serious security, technical, and policy drawbacks emerge…
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.