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.

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4,757 Articles
Police stand at a crosswalk in front of a building with a chain link and tarp fence which protesters have written on.

Why the Calls to Deploy Military Force in the US Protests Weren’t Surprising

Trump's and Cotton's rhetoric might be extreme, but the concepts they espouse are simply a culmination of a trend unfolding over at least 50 years.
Activists Elke Koller and Hildegard Slabik-Münter hold a sign in German outside the perimeter to the Büchel air base on February 27, 2019 near Cochem, Germany.

Tensions With US Fuel Debate Over Germany’s Future Defense Strategy

Renewed questions over the US nuclear umbrella, NATO and a new fighter jet obscure the reality of the country's most likely options.
U.S. Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies at his confirmation hearing as his image is shown on a television monitor behind him January 15, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Specific Questions for Congress (and News Media) to Ask Attorney General Barr

Former Department of Justice, FBI, and Pentagon officials have specific questions to ask Bill Barr. Plus an invitation for readers to send in their questions to add to the list.
Members of the Mexican National Guard in face masks monitor the General Hoptital of ISSSTEl on June 9, 2020 in Queretaro, Mexico.

COVID-19 en México: ¿Está en Riesgo la Democracia

Para entender lo que está pasando en México, es importante considerar tres factores contextuales: los niveles de conflicto político en constante crecimiento, el espiral de violencia,…
Members of the Mexican National Guard in face masks monitor the General Hoptital of ISSSTEl on June 9, 2020 in Queretaro, Mexico.

COVID-19 in Mexico: Democracy is Not at Risk?

To understand what is happening in Mexico, it is important to consider three contextual factors: the ever-increasing levels of political conflict, the spiral of violence, and the…
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) plaintiffs come out of court as immigration rights activists take part in a rally in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC on November 12, 2019.
National Security Advisor John Bolton

Bolton Book Confirms Most Serious Allegations in Trump Impeachment on Ukraine Quid Pro Quo

What John Bolton's book says about how President Donald Trump acted toward Ukraine and the 2020 elections.
Former National Security adviser John Bolton speaks on stage during a public discussion at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina on February 17, 2020.

Notes on John Bolton’s Brief Opposing the Government’s Motion to Enjoin Publication of His Book

Late last night, John Bolton filed his brief in opposition to the government’s motion for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction. 
National Security Advisor John Bolton and Donald Trump

Questions for the Government in the Bolton Book TRO Hearing(s)

Goldsmith and Lederman deliver up a series of questions that will expose the strengths and weaknesses of the government's claims.

Assessing the Government’s Lawsuit Against John Bolton [UPDATED after Wednesday’s filing of a TRO motion]

An explainer about some common misconceptions, and how the litigation will likely play out.
Protesters take video and photos of police in helmets and respirators on June 14, 2020 in Richmond, United States.

Black Lives Matter Might Just Rescue American Democracy

The movement forces Americans to recognize and confront the deep and longstanding connection between racist and authoritarian violence.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (R) holds a joint news conference on the International Criminal Court with US Attorney General William Barr, at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2020.

Trump’s ICC EO Will Undercut All U.S. Sanctions Programs—Is That Why Treasury Isn’t Conspicuously on Board?

The risks posed by the new U.S. sanctions program aimed at the ICC extend beyond the Court, its employees, and its supporters.
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