Democracy & Rule of Law
Democratic Backsliding & Solutions
157 Articles
Nine Experts on the Impact of President Trump’s Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Offenders
We asked nine experts about what clemencies might herald for the future of the rule of law, political violence, and extremism.
Understanding Trump’s Choice for FBI Leadership in Light of the“Weaponization of the Federal Government” Executive Order
An essay by former acting United States Attorney General.
Do Sanctions Work? It Depends. Burma and the West Bank Might Be Models.
The question shifts the focus from the far more critical issues of whether policy goals are clear and realistic and if sanctions can help.
The Just Security Podcast: ‘The Presidents and the People’ Book Talk
Corey Brettschneider discusses his new book "The Presidents and the People" and the lessons it offers for American democracy.
Local Officials Cannot Block Election Certification. But They Can Fuel Disinformation.
Local officials cannot prevent the results of an election from being finalized — but what comes next could be dangerous.
Proportional Representation Could Reduce the Risk of Political Violence in the U.S.
There is no single cause of political violence in democracies. But one critical source is often overlooked: electoral system design.
The Threat from Unlawful Private Militias Has Evolved. The Federal Government’s Response Must Evolve Too.
Federal legislation, like the Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act, offers a pathway to disrupt unlawful militia activity while safeguarding constitutional rights.
Musk, X, and Trump 2024: Where are the Legal and Ethical Boundaries?
Analysis of the ethical and legal lines for social media companies in influencing the outcome of a presidential election, in light of Elon Musk's support for former President Trump.
To Challenge State Capture, the US Needs a Strategy of State Retrieval
The democratic world must side with pro-democracy, peace, and anti-corruption movements in Africa and act against corrupt networks.
As EU and Local Elections Approach, Hungary’s Civil Society Braces for Renewed Government Assault
Human rights activists see Orban escalating repression of independent organizations and media, and they call on the US Congress to help.
In Shifting US Ties with Niger and Africa, Focus on Human Rights and Democracy to Strengthen Partnerships
After a series of coups in the region following years of counterterrorism cooperation, the US needs a new approach to recover its stride.
A Troubling Omen for Ukraine in the EU’s Balkan Membership Struggles
Russia's 2022 invasion eased enlargement fatigue a bit, but the long-delayed Western Balkans process is instructive. The EU must do better.