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.
4,605 Articles
A Commander’s Duty to Punish War Crimes: Past U.S. Recognition
A comprehensive, sweeping analysis of "the United States’ own long-standing views that a commander’s failure to punish war crimes by his subordinates may itself amount to war…
How to Revitalize the Intelligence Community: A Long, But Essential To-Do List
The president-elect and his DNI should act promptly and assertively to reverse Trump’s mistreatment, revitalize Community morale, and, through aggressive but prudent investment…
Global Kleptocracy as an American Problem
Putting an end to the spread of corruption from kleptocratic autocracies into the United States will be one of the most significant challenges for the incoming administration.
Climate Change as a National Security and Foreign Policy Priority: Opportunities and Challenges for the Next Administration
Policy recommendations to enhance the Biden-Harris administration’s ability to play a constructive role in addressing climate change as part of the United States’ defense,…
The Need for More Chris Stevenses
It’s time to develop a risk management framework for the U.S.' civilian national security workforce to enable them to do their jobs despite the unprecedented risks they now face.
CIA Is Losing Its Best and Brightest and Not Just Because of Trump
In order to retain its best and brightest, CIA may need to part ways with some of its elders.
Climate Change, National Security, & the New Commander-in-Chief
What are the president’s authorities as commander-in-chief to “combat” the national security threats posed by the climate crisis?
Proposed UAE Arms Sale Raises National Security Concerns
The Trump administration's planned sale of F-35s to the UAE threatens a regional arms race and raises concerns about end uses of the sensitive defense technology. Congress has…
A Post-Election Trump Firing Makes the Case for an Independent, Regulatory CISA
Incoming President Biden and Congress should seize the moment of the agency’s high profile to strengthen its role in protecting critical US infrastructure.
Trump’s Veto Threat Over Confederate-Named Bases Erodes U.S. Security and American Values
Given the historical significance of this moment and the alternatives for commemorating real, heroism, Congress has a moral and practical obligation to act.
Defense Policy Negotiations Near Completion in Congress, With Human Rights Provisions in Play
Issues at stake include militarization of law enforcement, civilian casualties, military base renaming, arms transfers, and more.
How to Elevate the Status of Human Rights – at Home and Abroad – in a Biden-Harris White House
In these last days of the outgoing administration’s four-year assault on basic international norms, advocates have been issuing detailed recommendations for how the Biden-Harris…