which refers to a region marked by conflict, fragmentation and persistent instability. Recalling the region’s history of chronic instability, Fidan warned that “missed opportunities” can lead to serious economic and security consequences, emphasizing the need for “regional solutions to regional problems.” The Western Balkans is a region w

In 2005, a dispute over successive Attorney General appointments came to a head in the District of South Dakota after the executive branch and the district court disagreed on the appropriate appointee. On December 22, 2005, the first interim U.S. Attorney resigned before the end of her 120-day term, and the Attorney General appointed a second inter

argued that under the Vacancies Act, a person “may not serve as an acting officer” once her nomination is submitted, regardless of whether that nomination is later withdrawn. Under this reading of the statute, Habba would not be authorized to serve under the Vacancies Act because the prohibition on service “survives a withdrawal of a nominati

Second, the President can select a senior employee from the agency, if that employee served in the agency for at least 90 days during the year preceding the vacancy and is paid at a rate equivalent to at least a GS-15 on the federal pay scale. (GS-15 is the top of the federal pay scale for nonpolitical appointees. Members of the Senior Executive Se

There are 93 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, charged with enforcing federal law and representing the United States in federal courts. The U.S. Attorneys at the head of these offices are appointed to four-year terms through presidential nomination and Senate confirmation. As political appointees, U.S. Attorneys often step down during a