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.
4,601 Articles
As Secretary Blinken Arrives, Political Prisoners Wait for the `New Kazakhstan’
A political opponent whose husband is jailed says the US enables President Tokayev's repression and buys his empty promises of reform.
Just Security Podcast: A Year in Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Forging a US Response
Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine a year ago, we’ve seen some surprising military, diplomatic, and legal developments in the war. Ukrainian forces have proven…
Speech or Debate Immunity Will Not Protect Scott Perry’s Phone
On Thursday, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals held a hearing on whether Rep. Scott Perry (R-Penn.) is protected by the Speech or Debate Clause from the Jan. 6 criminal investigation....
A Values-based Approach to Foreign Policy? Lessons for the Biden Administration
Integrating human security into U.S. military planning would give substance to the idea of a values-based approach to foreign policy.
The Limited Scope of Vice President Pence’s Speech or Debate Clause Immunity
Pence's protection under the Speech and Debate Clause won't protect him from a subpoena to testify before the Special Counsel's grand jury.
The United States Can and Should Broadly Contribute to the Trust Fund for Victims (Part IV)
The U.S. has the resources and legal tools to advance justice and support survivors of atrocity crimes through the Trust Fund for Victims.
The Binding Interpretation by the Office of Legal Counsel of the Laws Constraining US Engagement with the ICC (Part III)
OLC determined the U.S. may not provide funds to the ICC, but may engage in diplomatic activity related to the ICC and provide assistance.
Purpose “Unknown”: Proposed Forms Would Undermine Corporate Transparency Act’s Ownership Reporting Regime
Without significant changes, FinCEN’s proposed ownership information reports will enable incomplete reporting and undermine the anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and tax…
The Just Security Podcast: Eliminating the Judicial “Blue Slip”
An obscure process called the “blue slip,” allows a single Senator to stop a judicial nomination in its tracks.
The Year of Section 702 Reform, Part I: Backdoor Searches
Requiring a warrant for U.S. person queries honors the balance between security and liberty struck in the Fourth Amendment and ensures that Section 702 can’t be used to get around…
The US Needs a Strategy for (Human) Security Cooperation
The result is a frequent perception of enabling rights abuses and atrocities committed by foreign military partners.
Rephrasing the “Ethical Checklist”: Grappling with Tough Foreign Policy Choices
How can states pursue more ethical, value-based approaches to foreign policy amidst competing priorities and strategic realities?