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
DOD’s New Ex Gratia Policy: What’s Right, What’s Wrong, and What’s Next
On June 22, the Department of Defense (DOD) issued an interim policy regulation for providing ex gratia payments to civilians harmed as a result of U.S. military operations. It…
Toward a Consistent and Coherent Ex Gratia Policy for Civilian Casualties
The summer of 2017 was an extended nightmare for the Badrans. Over the course of several weeks, 39 members of Rasha Badran’s family, most of them women and children, were killed…
Under Cover of COVID at the UN: Why Counterterrorism Is Not the Answer to a Pandemic
Contrary to the UN's "CT Week" idea, the security sector's record makes it ill-fit to address the critical health needs of diverse populations.
Is the Supreme Court Undercutting Congress’ Ability to Check Abuses of Presidential Power?
Yesterday’s Supreme Court rulings holding that the president is not immune from subpoenas issued by Congress and local law enforcement were a relief to many. But even as the…
Colombian Peace Efforts on Life Support Amid the COVID-19 Response
In the context of COVID-19 emergency measures, Latin American democracies are like high-risk patients that suffer from at least four underlying conditions: authoritarian trends,…
Trump Pushed CIA to Give Intelligence to Kremlin, While Taking No Action Against Russia Arming Taliban
"Trump directed the CIA to share intelligence information on counterterrorism with the Kremlin despite no discernable reward," while at the same time not backing up the Pentagon…
U.S. “National Security” Must Apply to the Entire Nation
The US history of racial discrimination creates a domestic threat far more serious to some of its citizens than those posed by external antagonists.
Bill Barr: No Lap Dog, Just Defending His Idea of the Top Dog
A prevailing theory of Barr’s motivation is misplaced, and it may leave many uniformed about what truly propels Barr, why he is unlikely to ever change course, and why he is…
Unpacking the National Intelligence Council’s Memo on Russian Bounty Operation
President Trump's former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and our editor-in-chief write about the apparent skewing of intelligence to suit the White House narrative.
Patriotism and Justice on an Unusual Independence Day
Former Acting Attorney General, who served in George HW Bush and Clinton administrations and as an advisor to several Presidents, calls for officials to resist unethical directives,…
Why is Trump Turning a Blind Eye to Russia’s Covert Warfare?
The Kremlin’s payment of bounties for the killing of American and British soldiers in Afghanistan is a dangerous step in the ladder of escalation. For years, the Kremlin has…
Letter to the Editor: There is No Affront to U.S. Sovereignty in the Int’l Criminal Court Investigation
Editor’s Note: This piece is part of Just Security’s ongoing coverage of Executive Order 13928, “Blocking Property of Certain Persons Associated With the International Criminal…