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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Revisiting General Counsel Ney’s Speech in Light of New Pentagon Leadership
Former Department of Defense official (OSD) Luke Hartig critiques General Counsel Paul Ney's recent speech on the framework governing US military operations.
Questions Surround Secretive US-Guatemala Agreement
The agreement signed between the U.S. and Guatemala looks more like an attempt to make Guatemala an American Nauru – a terrible jail for thousands who would seek asylum in the…