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.
4,713 Articles
Congress Can Curb Abuse of the Presidential Pardon Power
Congress can impose consequences for presidents abusing the pardon power by increasing oversight and imposing transparency requirements.
The US Can — and Must — Counter Russian Influence Undermining Kyrgyzstan’s Democratic Progress
The latest sign of backsliding is a draft "foreign agents" law modeled after one that gutted civil society in Russia.
U.S. Policymakers’ Lessons from Yemen for Gaza
Former Obama officials write: If the White House is serious about protecting Gaza’s civilians, they need to do more than urge that Israel adhere to the law. They must make clear…
The Office of Legal Counsel Discloses List of Classified Opinions in Important Step for Transparency
The disclosure of the titles means that journalists, researchers, and others can now request the Office of Legal Counsel opinions themselves, opening important new avenues for…
National Security Carve-Outs Undermine AI Regulations
The FBI and DHS should independently evaluate AI systems, mitigate harm, train staff, consult with stakeholders, and offer recourse for harm.
The Just Security Podcast: Disinformation and Threats Ahead of the 2024 U.S. Elections
The 2024 election is a stress test for American democracy: Are officials and social media platforms ready for a barrage of disinformation?
Senator Sanders’ New Resolution Could Force U.S. to Confront Any Complicity in Civilian Harm in Gaza
The Sanders resolution offers a pathway to consider the role U.S. weapons are playing in devastating harm to civilians in Gaza and debate the wisdom and consequences of continuing…
Trump’s Stated Goals for the U.S. Intelligence Community: Assessing the Impact
Former CIA and FBI officials assess the impact on national security in former President Trump's stated plans for the intelligence community.
Counterterrorism in Disguise? Does A Shift Toward `Peace Enforcement’ Spell a Death Knell for UN Peacekeeping?
A Security Council resolution on funding AU missions risks not only peacekeeping but also UN human rights and civilian protection priorities.
Initial Lessons from the Rocha Case: The United States Must Remain Alert for Foreign Intelligence Threats
Prosecutors accuse Rocha of serving as a covert operative of Cuba during a multi-decade career with access to the nation’s secrets.
The Biden Impeachment Inquiry: A Heedless Descent into Constitutional Anarchy
House Republicans are embracing a world where every presidency and every congress is consumed by impeachment.
A Precarious Moment for Yemen’s Truce
The effects of the war in Gaza are rippling across the region, threatening Yemen's fragile truce.