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.
4,604 Articles
We Now Know What Information the FBI Can Obtain from Encrypted Messaging Apps
Despite its “going dark” claims, the FBI can obtain a remarkable amount of user data from secure messaging apps that collectively have several billion global users.
Sanctions and Corruption: Assessing Risk to Improve Design
Increased corruption is a common unintended consequences of sanctions. Alongside considering humanitarian consequences, the U.S. should account for corruption risks, and ways to…
Biden’s `Initiative for Democratic Renewal’ — Analysis from Diplomats, Top Experts
The $424.4 million plan focuses on media, corruption, reformers, technology, and political processes like elections.
America Needs a War on Terror Transparency Act
The Pentagon has three months to investigate the disturbing New York Times report that the military conducted and covered up airstrikes in Baghuz, Syria that killed up to 64 civilians.…
Biden’s Exclusion of Erdoğan from the Democracy Summit May Be a Blessing in Disguise for Turkey
The implicit refutation bolsters an already strengthening opposition without the kind of US interference that tends to generate backlash.
FY22 NDAA: A Missed Opportunity to Improve Military Justice
The draft FY22 NDAA disappoints with watered-down military justice reform provisions.
Neither Truth Nor Reconciliation: Mexico’s President Betrays Commitment to Transitional Justice
Yet, regardless of the scale and acceleration of abuses, such concerns are marginalized or avoided at high-level US-Mexico meetings.
Putin’s Gamble on Ukraine
The US will face many such challenges from Russia and China in the future, so it must learn how to suppress threats like this one.
The Absence of “The Donald”
The curious omission of a notorious social media site in the FBI's criminal case files on January 6th.
Bringing Climate and Terrorism Together at the UN Security Council – Proceed with Caution
The open debate creates risks that counterterrorism will come to dominate the climate security and environmental peacebuilding fields.
The Biden Administration’s Moment of Truth on Torture Evidence
US prosecutors claim the authority to use torture-derived evidence in Al-Nashiri's case, contrary to U.S. domestic and international legal obligations.
On Ransomware, Cyber Command Should Take a Backseat
As concerns about ransomware grow, U.S. policymakers must resist temptations to over-militarize the U.S. response, instead developing cyber capabilities across a range of federal…