Democracy & Rule of Law

Democratic Backsliding & Solutions

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Protesters hold signs in French opposing ECOWAS.

An International Law Assessment of ECOWAS’ Threat to Use Force in Niger

Under international law, the only possible legal basis for a potential ECOWAS military intervention would be an invitation by Niger extended to ECOWAS to use force on its territory.
A banner calling for the departure of the French Army from Niger is seen as supporters of Niger's ruling military junta, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), demonstrate in Niamey on August 10, 2023. West African leaders on Thursday increased their threat of imminent military action against Niger after the country's coup leaders moved to consolidate their control two weeks after seizing power. At an emergency summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), members decided "to order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger," its Commission President Omar Touray said. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images),

West Africa’s Grim Trajectory

The Niger coup is part of a cascade of crises that underscore democratic backsliding and the need for a broad regional strategy.
A large banner reads "2022 CPAC Hungary." Viktor Orban stands at a podium and addresses a crowd, standing between an American and a Hungarian flag.

The Global Far-Right Authoritarian Alliance Threatening US Democracy – And How to Weaken It

Authoritarians across the globe are collaborating. To counter them, those interested in protecting democracy must do the same.
US Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema are seen outside at the State House in Lusaka on March 31, 2023 after a press conference. President Hichilema asked for US help to expedite debt restructuring negotiations with the country's creditors.  (Photo by SALIM DAWOOD/AFP via Getty Images)

Dealing with Hybrid Regimes: Pursuing US Interests Without Giving them a Pass on Democracy

Failing to address their democratic deficiencies sets up the US and G7 for long-term strategic failure and hinders economic prosperity.
The episode title with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: The Battle for Sudan

To understand the conflict in Sudan and how it will impact the region we have Quscondy Abdulshafi, Suliman Baldo, and Rebeca Hamilton.
Smoke billows above residential buildings

Sudan in Crisis: Humanitarian Ceasefire Urgently Needed

International actors should press for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and civilian protection in Sudan.
A security guard walks through a mass grave site in a large agricultural area known as Mashrou al-Rabet in Meji on September 27, 2021 in Tarhuna, Libya. Tarhuna city was a previous stronghold for the Al-Kani militia affiliated with warlord Khalifa Haftar. From June 2021, following the defeat of Haftar's forces in the western areas of Libya, the Libyan government found 193 dead bodies and had identified 96 of them, in mass graves in Tarhuna and south of Tripoli. (Photo by Nada Harib/Getty Images)

The Global Fragility Act Takes Another Step Toward Conflict Prevention, But Bigger Strides Remain

Conflict prevention routinely takes a back seat to immediate crises, and will require resources and attention to legal and bureaucratic gaps.
A Thai runner dressed in a costume gives a three finger "hunger games" salute as thousands gather at Suan Rot Fai Park for a "fun run" against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government on January 12, 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand. Police estimated that more than 12,000 people joined the protest against the Prime Minister, who seized power during a 2014 coup, led a junta in the following years and was elected Prime Minister in a much-disputed March 2019 election. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)

Shut Out of Democracy Summit , Thailand Prepares for May Elections as Restrictive Laws Aim to Silence Youth Activists

The vote could set the tone for democratic rights in the region, curb the junta’s influence, and return power to the people.
A title of the episode with sound waves in the background.

The Just Security Podcast: Two Years After the Myanmar Coup

On the two-year anniversary of the coup, we speak with Akila Radhakrishnan and Angela Mudukuti from the Global Justice Center.
The seal of the Treasury Department is seen on the Treasury Department Building in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 18, 2023.

The Treasury Department’s Material Support Carveouts are a Welcomed First Step – But Congress Must Act to Create a Sustainable Fix

Congress needs to pass legislation to expand vital protections for NGOs delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Justice Will Be Crucial to a New Deal in Sudan

Sudanese politicians and military leaders are making a second serious attempt at negotiating a path toward civilian rule and democracy.
Kyaw Moe Tun (left), new Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations, pays a courtesy call to Secretary-General António Guterres.

Democracies Must Stop Playing Games with Myanmar’s Representation at the United Nations

Member States that believe in human rights must take the necessary steps to give the Burmese people a voice at the United Nations.
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