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

Why What’s Happening to the Rohingya Is Genocide
If international law creates a right—or even a duty—to respond to massive rights violations, such a right—or duty—has long since been triggered in Myanmar.

Who Might Replace Rod Rosenstein and What Would it Mean for the Mueller and SDNY Investigations?: A Deep Dive
Who would replace Rosenstein as deputy attorney general in the event Trump fires him or he resigns under pressure? And who would supervise the Russia and related investigations?…

A New AUMF Is Not a Solution to “Endless War”
Seventeen years have now passed since the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the launching of wars against terrorist groups tied to those attacks. While Congress and the George…

So, You Want to Do Something About Russian Election Interference?
If this White House were actually serious about tackling foreign interference in our elections, what would it do?

Explainer: Rosenstein’s Potential Departure and What Comes Next for Russia and Hush Money Investigation
Who will supervise the Russia and Hush Money investigations after Rod Rosenstein?

To Undermine the ICC, Bolton’s Targets Extend Way Beyond the Court
If the U.S. pressures states to sign new bilateral agreements shielding American personnel from the ICC, officials and civil society in those countries have options other than…

Why Support for U.N.-backed Anti-Corruption Commission in Guatemala is Vital to U.S. Interests
The ongoing constitutional crisis in Guatemala underscores concerns that corruption continues to permeate high levels of the government.

We Have Nothing to Fear But FEAR Itself
What Woodward's book says, in particular, about Russia investigation is riddled with problems.

Does Trump Have Legal Authority to Follow Through on John Bolton’s Threats to the Int’l Criminal Court?
Many observers have already written, on Just Security and elsewhere, of how National Security Advisor John Bolton’s predictable attack on the International Criminal Court…

Shining a Light on Federal Law Enforcement’s Use of Computer Hacking Tools
Ten years ago, an FBI official impersonated an Associated Press reporter to lure and track a teenager suspected of sending in prank bomb threats to his school. To find him, the…

Bolton, the ICC and the Rohingya
If the U.K. and the U.S. make it a priority, those responsible for the terrible crimes against the Rohingya could be held accountable. But now, with Bolton’s scathing remarks…

Post-9/11 Generation Reaches Enlistment Age in Unmoored ‘War on Terror’
Human Rights First International Legal Counsel Rita Siemion says it's long past time to ensure that war-based authorities are used only when specifically authorized by Congress…