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.
4,597 Articles
Membership in a Non-State Armed Group in the DoD Law of War Manual
A critical assessment of the U.S. DoD Law of War Manual's approach to membership status in non-State armed groups.
Israel, the United States, and the Fourth Geneva Convention
The United States must clearly articulate whether the Fourth Geneva Convention applies to territories occupied by Israel.
Expert Backgrounder: Federalizing the National Guard and Domestic Use of the Military
An expert explainer on when the President of the United States can 'federalize" the National Guard and deploy U.S. military forces domestically.
The ABA Urges Action Against Abusive Commercial Spyware, and Policymakers Should Listen
The leading association of American lawyers added its voice to the chorus of concern surrounding the proliferation of commercial spyware.
Key Questions in U.S. Cyber Attack on “Iranian Spy Ship”
What was the nature of the operation? How is Iran likely to respond? What are the implications for conflict escalation, or de-escalation?
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Pentagon’s New Civilian Harm Policy
In December 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly released its Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR DOD-I), which was mandated by Section 936 of the…
US Government’s $300 Million for West Africa — How to Make it Count
To turn the tide in democracies under stress, the US needs to balances near-term increases in stability with aid for democratic governance.
Why and How the Senate Should Swiftly Dismiss the Impeachment Charges Against Mayorkas
"The articles are also facially and substantively defective in many other respects. Upon convening as a court of impeachment, the Senate should swiftly reject the articles as a…
As Senate Considers New Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Human Rights Focus Would Strengthen US Policy
As government forces battle armed groups in Burkina Faso, civilians face daily abuses, even death, amid a range of violations of their security and their property. At least 6,201…
Not Reassuring: NSM-20 and the Limits of Law-of-War Assurances in the Transfer of U.S. Arms
Analysis of how Biden's National Security Memorandum (NSM-20) may operate in regulating the transfer of U.S. arms amid concerns of international humanitarian law violations.
The Real “Robert Hur Report” (Versus What You Read in the News)
"To clarify thinking about this topic, let’s consider another way Hur could have represented his actual findings on page 1 of his executive summary."
A Welcome US Course Adjustment – But Now the Western Balkans Needs a Full Policy Recalibration
Recent warnings to Bosnian separatists and other obstructionists are helpful, but deeper changes are needed. The upcoming Biden-Scholz meeting is a chance.