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
The Troubling Free Speech Implications of Trump’s TikTok/WeChat Sanctions
When expressive activity is increasingly happening online, we should all be concerned about expansive presidential powers that can effectively shut down some of those avenues of…
Time to Fix a Broken Declassification System
The government’s declassification system is broken, but there's a bipartisan solution in the works.
A Test for the US Posture on the Int’l Criminal Court: “Safe Harbor” Licenses?
A US willingness to consider mitigation will signal the true intent of sanctions against the ICC prosecutor and a division director.
DOD Inspector General’s Report Whitewashes Potential Violations of the Posse Comitatus Act
In finding no violation of Posse Comitatus Act, the IG misinterprets federal law and exaggerates the power of DOD policy — creating a dangerous precedent for the domestic use…
Why Them? On the U.S. Sanctions Against Int’l Criminal Court Officials
What messages is the United States sending by targeting Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko in particular?
The Int’l Criminal Court Executive Order: Global Reactions Compiled
With the Trump administration poised to issue sanctions under its new executive order aimed at the ICC, Beth Van Schaack gathers key global reactions to the order and identifies…
Bill Barr’s Hidden Truths About Justice Department’s Rule of Forbearance in an Election
Revelations of what Barr said in a deposition under oath in 1995 and in a private Oval Office meeting with President Bush.
Does Cy Vance Already Have the Trump Organization Tax Returns?
The Manhattan DA may already have obtained the pertinent New York state tax returns for the Trump Organization and its executives, including Trump and his family. If this is the…
Finding the Right U.S. Defense Leaders
Military experience should not be a litmus test for a senior civilian position in the Defense Department, but it should not be a disqualifier either.
Bringing Abolition to National Security
"Though far less explored, abolition may also be the most promising option for dealing with discriminatory national security laws and policies. Without understanding the historical,…
State Dept. Inspector General Report: A Troubling Message on Arms Sales
"A stunning revelation given the repeated, severe cases of civilian casualties resulting from Saudi-led Coalition operations over the past several years."
Breaking Ranks in a Civil-Military Crisis: Strategic Communication to Register Dissent
Military leaders have principled options to address a legally questionable political decision while maintaining the rule of law and civilian control.