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.
4,841 Articles

Reinvention Blueprint No. 2: Democracy Works When Government Works
America’s civil service, built for a bygone era, urgently needs bold, comprehensive reform to build a government capable of delivering for the 21st century.

Building Governing Machinery for the Next Pro-Democracy Moment
Domestic policy experts offer principles for reinvention meant to inform the work of policymakers, advocates, and governance rebuilders as they redesign federal institutions.

The Trump Administration Throws Gulf AI a Lifeline
The Trump administration significantly relaxed AI export controls on the UAE, and it's unclear what the United States got in return.

Challenging Toxic Air Exemptions – and a Pattern of Executive Overreach on Regulatory Rollbacks
Together, the Trump administration’s vision of the Clean Air Act’s exemption authority and shutting courts out from review is one of completely unchecked presidential power.

The Scope of Executive Privilege: Unpacking the D.C. Circuit’s Latest Decision
The D.C. Circuit upheld Navarro's contempt of Congress convictions, holding that executive privilege must be claimed by the president or an official authorized by the president.

Bringing the State Department to the States: How a Domestic Service Requirement Would Strengthen American Foreign Policy
A domestic service requirement for foreign service officers would help connect the U.S. diplomatic corps with the rest of the country beyond Washington.

Collection: Iran, Israel and the United States at War (2025-2026 Operations)
Experts analyze the US-Israel Iran military conflicts - covering nuclear diplomacy; strategic, security, and regional implications; and domestic and international law.

The Israel-Lebanon Framework Agreement: Return to the “Land for Peace”’ Formula
Experts examine the implications of the framework agreement signed by Israel, Lebanon, and the United States in June.

Counting the Votes in the Supreme Court’s Birthright Citizenship Decision
A close analysis of the Supreme Court Justices' opinions in Trump v. Barbara.

What Hungary’s Anti-Corruption Election Can Teach U.S. Democracy Advocates
Hungary's anti-corruption win offers U.S. democracy advocates lessons, but success requires a credible messenger and a concrete plan.

Expert Q&A: Decoding the Treasury Department’s Actions on Iran
How to understand the Treasury Department's sanctions relief for Iran's oil sector, its quick reversal, and what to look for going forward.

No, Trump Can’t Withhold Anti-Terrorism Funds to Pressure States to Change Their Election Rules
The attempt to condition states' counterterrorism funding on changes to election rules is unlawful and likely to be challenged in court.