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
Woodward’s Book Places Trump’s Policy on Afghan War in a Good Light–But his leadership ultimately falls short
Woodward's book Fear has critical insights into Trump's Afghan war policy--analyzed here by a top expert who was worked the issue for years.
Why John Bolton vs. Int’l Criminal Court 2.0 is Different from Version 1.0
"This time around, the consequences for the court and the rule of law in the world will likely be far graver, and the return to a constructive relationship with the ICC in the…
Bolton’s Remarks on the International Criminal Court
On Monday, National Security Adviser John Bolton appeared at the Federalist Society in Washington, D.C., and delivered his first major speech since joining the White House. His…
Rudy’s Red Herring: Mueller’s Final Report and Executive Privilege
"It’s time to focus on where the real threat to Mueller’s report reaching the public may arise. The assertion of executive privilege is not it."
Trump’s Disrespect for the Rule of Law Spreads
Trump's disrespect for the rule of law has spread and is now poised to threaten the president himself.
In Defense of NYT’s Anonymous: Government “Stewardship” as a Guard Against Threats to Democratic Order
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.” – The Federalist…
Why Trump’s Aid Cuts to Syria, Gaza and West Bank Heighten Risk to U.S.
The Trump administration recently announced, in a cascade of shortsighted decisions, that it will cut at least $700 million in aid to Syria and to the West Bank and Gaza, some…
A Rush to Confirm Judge Kavanaugh at the Expense of Senate Interests
The Senate is now considering President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court. Whoever replaces Justice Kennedy,…
Response to Reader Questions on Manafort Pardon
Editor’s note: Last week, Alex and Ryan wrote a Op-ed in the New York Times and an accompanying piece at Just Security dissecting the strategy and implications of President…
Guantanamo is No Answer–But Here’s What Can Work
While there are real challenges and difficult tradeoffs to be made, one question should not be difficult at all: nobody should be sent to Guantanamo. It would be bad policy,…
Security Clearance Records, FOIA, and Privacy: What Went Wrong for Abigail Spanberger
How did an unredacted copy of a security clearance application for a former CIA officer-turned Democratic candidate land in the hands of a GOP super PAC?
Charting How Pardons and Obstruction of Justice Works
The president’s pardon power serves as an important corrective to the criminal justice system, but it can also be abused, like any government power. President Donald Trump appears…