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
Trump’s “Safe Areas” in Syria — An Explainer on International Law
In an interview on Wednesday with ABC, President Donald Trump said he would “absolutely do safe zones in Syria.” The leaked draft of the Executive Order “Protecting the…
Norms Watch: Tracking the Erosion of Democratic Traditions (Jan. 20-27)
Don’t miss out. Starting today, we’re offering Norms Watch as a weekly email from Just Security. Subscribe here. THE MEDIA This week, the Trump team continued to…
Trump’s Immigration Policy Risks Violating International Law—alienates US allies
The Trump Administration may be in for a rude awakening. Even if its proposed immigration policies survive the coming constitutional challenges, the administration will have to…
UK Supreme Court allows claims to proceed against UK officials for complicity in CIA torture
Earlier this month, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that claims against UK officials for complicity in torture, unlawful detention and rendition are not barred by State…
What Does it Mean to Designate the Muslim Brotherhood a Foreign Terrorist Organization?
According to reports, President Donald Trump may shortly issue an Executive Order directing the State Department to examine whether it should designate the Muslim Brotherhood as…
Understanding Complicity: When the US Makes a “Substantial Contribution” to War Crimes Committed by Foreign Partners
With power comes responsibility. In their new duties, Trump administration officials will need to consider the legal hazards associated with supporting foreign military partners…
What Did the Courts Say When Bush was Accused of Targeting Muslim Immigrants?
Looking out my window in lower Manhattan, and with Donald Trump’s inauguration just a few days behind us, it’s hard to stop thinking that a Muslim man, sitting in a chair with…
How the European Convention on Human Rights Limits Cooperation with the Trump Administration
On the campaign trail, Donald Trump repeatedly promised to keep the Guantanamo Bay detention facility open and to “load it up with some bad dudes.” He also pledged to bring…
How News Media Can Get Misled by Tough Talk on Killing Terrorists
Image: US airstrike with 2,000lb bombs on ISIS bank in Mosul, Jan. 11, 2016 – CENTCOM Less than a half hour after Donald Trump took the oath of office on Friday, ABC News…
Trump’s First Drone Strikes: How to Measure His Approach to Transparency and Accountability
The first drone strikes under President Donald Trump were reportedly launched just a day after his inauguration. According to the New York Times, 17 people were killed in three…
White House Spokesman Changes the Story on Flynn’s Calls to Russian Ambassador
The Trump administration continues to change its story on when and how many times Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, Trump’s national security adviser, spoke to Russian Ambassador Sergey…
White House Credibility in Crisis
“This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration — period — both in person and around the globe.” — White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer On Saturday,…