Push the current administration to administratively adopt stricter criteria.
Use executive authority to tighten criteria and implementation quickly, without waiting for Congress. The emphasis is on clear, public standards and follow-through: updated transfer policy, stronger end-use monitoring, and willingness to suspend sales when violations occur. Because executive action can be reversed, the strategy also prioritizes transparency and durable implementation where possible.
Why this works
- Faster than waiting for Congress; Biden did indicate a desire to center human rights in foreign policy – this would hold him to that.
- The executive can simply choose to freeze certain sales (e.g.
- in early 2021, the new administration paused some Saudi/UAE deals to review).
Win Without War
AdvocacyProgressive coalition advocating for a more peaceful U.S. foreign policy
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow Win Without War uses funding
- Define the criteria the administration should adopt and how they apply in practice.
- Engage the relevant agencies with briefings and targeted policy proposals.
- Push for policy updates and implementation guidance that can be audited over time.
- Track decisions and monitoring posture; highlight gaps where standards are not applied.
- Coordinate with oversight and public pressure so executive action has follow-through.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Criteria and policy update request finalized
Near-termA clear set of criteria and requested policy changes is documented and shared.
- 2
Agency engagement and implementation plan initiated
EarlyMeetings, briefings, and an internal roadmap for guidance/monitoring are underway.
- 3
Policy or guidance update announced
During an administrative decision windowUpdated criteria or monitoring posture is formally communicated and publicly trackable.
- 4
Monitoring and accountability cadence established
Post-updateRepeatable reporting and review signals exist to check whether criteria are applied.