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.
4,711 Articles
Human Rights Guidelines for the Fight Against COVID-19
President Donald Trump is already talking about a “war” against COVID-19, and with all wars come serious human rights risks. If the pandemic poses a national security threat,…
Keeping an Eye on the Civil Liberties Impact of Trump’s Coronavirus Response
Now is the time to be vigilant for attempts to leverage the crisis to obtain or retain powers that unnecessarily infringe on rights and liberties.
The Right Way to Reform the U.S. President’s International Emergency Powers
Strong procedural checks and balances would improve oversight and limit the scope for abuse.
Is Pompeo Unintentionally Helping Out the International Criminal Court?
While likely doing little to dissuade those at the ICC and elsewhere who are committed to seeking accountability for the United States’ previous rendition and torture program,…
Military’s Response to the Coronavirus Crisis: Top 10 Principles
Ten key principles to follow as policymakers seek to utilize the military in a manner that is innovative, responsive to the crisis, and consistent with the rule of law.
Coronavirus, Public Perceptions and the Dangers of “News Deserts”
For many reasons, areas of the U.S. or segments of the populace don’t have – or don’t seek – access to fact-based, even existentially vital information.
What the UN Security Council Can Do on Coronavirus: A Global Goods Coordination Mechanism
On the need for the UN Security Council to break its silence on coronavirus and adopt a global goods coordination mechanism.
Pompeo’s Commission on Unalienable Rights Looks to Be a “Win-Win” for China
“While Secretary Pompeo may view this elevation of one right as complementary to U.S. government criticism of Beijing, in the long run it plays directly into the campaign being…
It’s Time Iraq Accepts Legal Responsibility for Its Iran-Backed Militias
Legal reform of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMFs) would have a more durable effect on these hostile militias than a few US air strikes.
Use the Defense Production Act to Flatten the Curve
James Baker, former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and Legal Adviser to the National Security Council, urges the President to take more decisive…
Barr Is Dismantling Charges Filed by Mueller
Another curious filing by the Department of Justice should not be lost amid news about COVID-19. In yet another reversal in a case initiated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller,…
Trump Administration Has Not Earned Privilege to Speak Anonymously — Especially During a National Crisis
The coronavirus crisis is exposing just how costly it can be when an administration knowingly misleads the public or refuses to provide a basic level of transparency.