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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.