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.

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4,713 Articles
The leader of Civic Coalition (KO), Donald Tusk addresses voters and lawmakers from the podium in the parliament after receiving a majority of the chamber's votes to be the next prime minister during a parliamentary session on Dec. 11, 2023 in Warsaw, Poland. His coalition of opposition parties won a majority in October's general election, ending eight years of rule by the Law and Justice (PiS) party. (Photo by Omar Marques/Getty Images)

Poland’s New Government Will Face Hurdles to Restore Rule of Law and Judicial Independence

In addition to reversing the previous ruling party's damage, changes should reinforce the longevity of vital institutions going forward.

When Authoritarians Undermine Multilateral Institutions: The OSCE at 50

Russia’s actions illustrate the issue of what to do when founding policies are used to prevent organizations from pursuing fundamental values.
Abstract image of human eye with retinal circuit on a black background.

The GSRA Would Undermine the Utility of FISA Section 702

The Government Surveillance Reform Act proposes that Section 702 be renewed, but it also mandates a host of changes that impair the agility of Section 702 as an intelligence tool.
People with raised fists at a demonstration in the city

Social Sanctions Can Protect Human Rights Defenders

Twenty-five years after the U.N. Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, the usual methods of protection and accountability aren’t working well enough.
Various countries' flags in front of UN building and fence with UN symbol

National Security at the United Nations This Week (Dec. 4-Dec. 8)

The latest in our weekly series on UN developments at the intersection of national security, human rights, and the rule of law.

The Just Security Podcast: Toward a Goldilocks Deal on 702 Surveillance Reform

The Reiss Center on Law and Security at NYU Law and Just Security co-hosted an expert discussion on FISA Section 702 surveillance reform.
A woman holds her hand to her mouth. A second woman sits over her shoulder.

America’s Election Officials Fight Disinformation and Death Threats Ahead of 2024

Disinformation stemming from the 2020 vote still leads to overwhelming records requests, retirements, and threats towards election officials.
Security Council Chamber at United Nations

The United Nations in Hindsight: UN Security Council Sanctions

Sanctions programs could benefit from certain measures to restore their function as a critical U.N. Security Council tool for peace.
A street vendor sells products

Solutions That Work? Analyzing State Employment Authorization for Noncitizens in the US

Policymakers and advocates would do well to pay careful attention to the legal theories underlying the various state proposals for authorizing employment for noncitizens when considering…
A photographic illustration shows a mobile phone near the NSO Group company logo

The Biden Administration Should Continue Rebuffing NSO Group’s Latest Lobbying Efforts.

The NSO Group's efforts to curry favor and evade accountability in the United States must fail due to its role in global human rights abuses.
People displaced by conflict and living at a United Nations Protection of Civilians (POC) site mingle among shelters in Wau on February 1, 2020. 13,000 civilians were sheltering at the site, adjacent to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) field office, just outside Wau town. The people had fled massacres and burning villages during a ruinous six-year conflict between forces loyal to the government of South Sudan President Salva Kiir and those of his political rival, former Vice President, Riek Machar. A string of failed truces and hollow promises had spawned distrust in the two rival leaders. (Photo by TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images)

Invest in Early Prevention and Continuous Learning to Help Curb Atrocities in a Challenging Era

To reinvigorate US leadership, consider why US action on the 2008 Albright-Cohen blueprint has not translated into more success.

Amid Africa’s Spate of Coups, Improved Election Observation Will be Crucial to Transition

Whether observation missions in upcoming Sahel elections will help or hinder a return to civilian rule depends on a range of factors.
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