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.

× Clear Filters
4,605 Articles
The White House, Washington, D.C.

A Radically (Modest) Bureaucratic Proposal to Strengthen Democracy and Human Rights at Home and Abroad

Now is the time to fundamentally reform how the executive branch addresses the transnational matter of upholding human rights and advancing democracy at home and abroad. The project…
A piece of parchment reading, "The Good Governance Papers - A Collection of Essays - Written in favor of the Constitution and Rule of Law - As written upon by Just Security - Fall 2020"

Good Governance Paper No. 14: War Powers Reform

Essay in a series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and the rule of law.
Federal officers released tear gas in front of the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse on July 20, 2020 in Portland, Oregon.

Preventing a Military Decision About Who Won a Disputed Election

"The Pentagon’s senior officials should emphasize that the military must never receive a self-interested order about who has won an election."
El Salvador's President is photographed next to the files that contain case information The massacre of El Mozote during a press conference at a presidential home in San Salvador, El Salvador, on September 24, 2020.

On El Salvador’s 1981 El Mozote Massacre, President Bukele Sides With Impunity

Survivors of the largest single massacre in modern Latin American history want him charged for failure to comply with a judicial order for documents.
: A senate staffer enters a secure meeting space inside the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center where senators are allowed to review the FBI report about alleged sexual assaults by Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh October 04, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Federal Employees’ Liability Risks for Following Illegal Directives to Interfere in 2020 Election

Former Acting General Counsel at the Department of Defense with a strong warning to federal employees across departments and agencies.
Parchment paper reading, “The Good Governance Papers: A Collection of Essays in favor of public integrity and the rule of law as written upon at Just Security Fall 2020”

Good Governance Paper No. 11: Strengthening Inspectors General

Eleventh essay in a series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and the rule of law.
Trump and Barr step off Air Force One without face masks on September 1, 2020.

Ethics Groups Say Barr’s Use of DOJ Is Shredding Its Essential Independence

A new report from two independent, non-partisan groups focused on ethics in government excoriates the operation of the Justice Department during the tenure of Attorney General…
A military tuck of the United Nations (UN) peacekeepers soldiers is parked in front of Chinese United Nations peacekeeping forces camp on June 1, 2016 in Gao.

Great Power Competition Versus Counterterrorism: A False Dichotomy

Not only are these strategic priorities not necessarily at odds with one another, but in fact, they often overlap and complement each other.
Parchment paper reading, “The Good Governance Papers: A Collection of Essays in favor of public integrity and the rule of law as written upon at Just Security Fall 2020”

Good Governance Paper No. 7: Executive Branch Vacancies

We've seen the problem with senior officials from immigration policy to arms control and more. Here are five specific flaws in the current system and how to fix them.
Parchment paper reading, “The Good Governance Papers: A Collection of Essays in favor of public integrity and the rule of law as written upon at Just Security Fall 2020”

Good Governance Paper No. 6 (Part Two): Domestic Military Operations — The Role of the National Guard, Posse Comitatus Act and More

Sixth in series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and rule of law.
Immigration rights activists take part in a rally in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC on November 12, 2019.

The President and Immigration Law Series: Reflections on the Future of American Immigration Policy

Our series on The President and Immigration Law concludes. Authors Cristina Rodríguez and Adam Cox reflect on the future as illuminated by the contributions to the series, highlighting…
Parchment paper reading, “The Good Governance Papers: A Collection of Essays in favor of public integrity and the rule of law as written upon at Just Security Fall 2020”

Good Governance Paper No. 6 (Part One): Domestic Military Operations — Reforming the Insurrection Act

Sixth in series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and the rule of law.
1-12 of 4,605 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: