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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4,605 Articles
An operator attempts to push over one of Boston Dynamics' Spot robot, a four-legged design for indoor and outdoor operation, during the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Robotics Challenge at the Fairplex June 5, 2015 in Pomona, California.

Effective U.S. Grand Strategy Includes Harnessing Diverse Educational Institutions

The best way to confront the wide spectrum of global risks and competition today is to operationalize the intellect and lived experiences of a diverse workforce. Historically black…
An Afghan National Army officer, right, informs his U.S. Army counterparts from the 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, left and center, about ANA troop movements May 6, 2013 while pursuing Taliban fighters in Babus, Afghanistan.

Part III: The Muddy Middle: A New Framework for Use of Force

We may not have wanted to land in this muddy middle between peace and war that we currently find ourselves in, but this is the reality of the current moment in the counterterrorism…
A picture taken near the Iraqi city of Qaim at the Iraqi-Syrian border on November 11, 2018, shows US Army vehicles patrolling the Syrian side of the border.

Part II: The Muddy Middle: Challenges of Applying Use of Force Policy Guidance in Practice

In part two of a three-part series, the authors explain how new operational models for both why and how the U.S. used force outside areas of active hostilities created tensions…
A US Predator unmanned drone armed with a missile stands on the tarmac of Kandahar military airport on June 13, 2010.

The Muddy Middle: The Disappearing Lines in America’s Counterterrorism Wars and How to Restore Order

In three articles, the authors explain how the lines have blurred between U.S. military operating procedures for use of force in hot war zones versus outside areas of active hostilities…
Yazidi women hold up pictures of missed relatives during a commemoration ceremony in Stuttgart, southern Germany, on August 3, 2019.

To the 2020 Candidates: As President, Would You Prevent Another Genocide?

Two types of questions — asking about a specific country context or a broad use-of-force policy — have guided debates on the national stage about the U.S. role in atrocity…
Trump

Yes, Trump Could Be Indicted If He Leaves Office in 2021, But Is That Likely?

In a world where indicting a sitting president is not possible and prosecuting him after he leaves office raises practical and prudential concerns, impeachment could very well…
House Judiciary Committee US Representative Jerry Nadler looks on during a press conference following the former Special Counsel's testimony before the House Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2019.

The Trump Impeachment Process Began on March 4

On March 4, 2019, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler announced an investigation into “the alleged obstruction of justice, public corruption, and other abuses of…
This picture shows an aid convoy of the red crescent arriving at the Rukban desert camp for displaced Syrians along Syria's border with Jordan on February 06, 2019.

U.S. Has Legal and Moral Responsibility to Protect Civilians at Rukban in Syria

With the U.S. in control of the at-Tanf region of Syria, both international humanitarian law and basic morality dictate that the U.S. ensure vital supplies reach the civilians…
American Army members deployed for Mission Resolute Support (RS) take part in an end of tour medal ceremony at RS Headquarters on September 4, 2017 in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Army and Marine Corps Publish New Manual: The Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Land Warfare

The Army and the Marine Corps just released its newest publication, The Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Land Warfare. Over 20 years in the making, it provides operational…
Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats attends a cabinet meeting at the White House July 16, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Trump’s DNI Pick Would Brief Dem Nominee Ahead of 2020

The question of who Trump names acting DNI is as important as who he ultimately nominates for the job—because whoever steps in may turn out to oversee the Intelligence Community…
A Collage QAnon supporters at Trump rallies.

Trump’s Encouraging QAnon May Result in Violence—Just ask the FBI

"A few hours after the FBI assessment leaked, the President held a campaign rally in Cincinnati, where the pre-rally speaker Brandon Straka called out the phrase, 'Where we go…
Protestors hold a demonstration against U.S. Customs and Border Patrol funding during a rally inside the Russell Senate Office Building Rotunda on June 25, 2019 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Border Agents’ Secret Facebook Group Highlights Social Media Vetting Risks for Immigrants

Government social media monitoring is ripe for abuse in any context, but the implications of Customs and Border Protection's environment of racism and lack of oversight demand…
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