Democracy & Rule of Law

Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis on threats and challenges to democracy and the rule of law in the United States and globally. Coverage includes analysis of the separation of powers, good governance, democratic backsliding, authoritarianism, judicial independence, freedom of the press and association, and accountability for rule of law violations.

Highlights:

A blue architectural blueprint-style graphic with white grid lines and hand-lettered labels arranged like room names on a floor plan, symbolizing the architecture of institutional reinvention.

Reinvention Blueprint No. 1: A Government That Works for People

Our democratic institutions are under strain, but one thing must be true if any reform is to take hold: government must deliver, and that delivery must be felt by all people.
A blue architectural blueprint-style graphic with white grid lines and hand-lettered labels arranged like room names on a floor plan, symbolizing the architecture of institutional reinvention.

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.
A blue architectural blueprint-style graphic with white grid lines and hand-lettered labels arranged like room names on a floor plan, overlaid with the white text "Just Security's Reinvention Blueprints."

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.
A tall man in silhouette, dressed in a dark long, straight jacket and flared trousers, stands in a street, his back to the camera, raising his right hand with pointed finger, while in the background people hold red and white Georgian flags and the smoke of flares obscures part of the scene.

The U.S. and the EU Must Wake Up to Threats in Georgia

Georgian Dream is crushing Georgia's civil society, courts, and opposition to entrench one-party rule and Russian influence; only targeted U.S. and EU sanctions can stop it.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters is seen on February 13, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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 E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse in Washington, D.C., with a carved stone panel depicting historical courtroom and law enforcement scenes in the foreground.

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.
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3,404 Articles
Gavel and scales with a US flag in the background as symbols of a jurisdiction.

Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions

A public resource tracking all the legal challenges to the Trump administration's executive orders and actions.
A blue architectural blueprint-style graphic with white grid lines and hand-lettered labels arranged like room names on a floor plan, symbolizing the architecture of institutional reinvention.

Welcome to Just Security’s Reinvention Blueprints

Just Security's Reinvention Blueprints series features expert proposals to rebuild U.S. government institutions so they serve the public and meet today's challenges.
A building belonging to DAMAC, a Dubai-based luxury real estate developer founded in 2002 by businessman Hussain Sajwani, is seen in Dubai on June 4, 2026.

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.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney standing near a row of Canadian flags.

A Rule-of-Law Model for Governing AI Risks: The Global Significance of Canada’s New AI Strategy

Other middle powers should emulate Canada’s focus on the rule of law as a central principle of A.I. governance.

The Just Security Podcast: Uncharted Territory: The Alien Terrorist Removal Court Hears Its First Case

Dani Schulkin is joined by Steve Vladeck and Jess Dawgert to discuss the first-ever case before the Alien Terrorist Removal Court.
The blue and yellow Ukrainian flag flies above the U.S. flag on the same flag pole, with two birds flying to the left against a whitish gray sky.

Ukraine’s Successes Make the Case for How Democracy Support Enhances U.S. National Security

Ukraine's survival in the face of Russia's aggression demonstrates how U.S. support to civil society and democratic institutions becomes a national security asset.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C, back) looks on as (L/R, front row) Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, State Department Chief of Staff Daniel Holler, and Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh sign a framework agreement at the US Department of State in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2026.

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.
View of an FBI agent from behind wearing a green FBI vest inside the New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court.

How the Alien Terrorist Removal Court Could Be Good for the U.S. Immigration System

DOJ's first-ever use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court raises due process concerns, but could offer more legitimacy than current immigration proceedings.
The detectives sit in the foreground, the man in a suit jacket, the woman in a blouse, their backs to the camera, across a table from the prisoner, whose hands are folded atop the edge of the table, which is covered with files and photos and a tape recorder. A video recorder on a tripod is to the left.

Effective Interviewing, Not Torture: Lessons from the Méndez Principles Five Years On

The Mendez Principles, drafted to end the use of torture in interrogations, are being implemented variously across regions and institutions.
The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen at dusk on July 8, 2026 in Washington, DC.

The Supreme Court’s Striking Regression on Partisan Gerrymandering

Lost amidst the discussion of the Supreme Court's Callais decision is its treatment of partisan gerrymandering as a legitimate objective.
The exterior of the headquarters of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL) in Prague, Czech Republic, is a modern gray-slab building behind a tall black iron fence with the name of the news organization and its logo, a lighted torch. A building of older, classical architecture is at the left of the frame.

Authoritarians Keep Telling Us What They Fear. We Should Listen.

Research shows that, more than military strikes or sanctions, authoritarians fear support for independent media, anti-censorship tech, and civil society.
The International Criminal Court forecourt, entrance and sign.

The Future of the Int’l Criminal Court: What Follows After Removal of the Prosecutor

Analysis of the future of the International Criminal Court including selection of a new prosecutor.
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