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.
3,165 Articles
What Just Happened: The Trump Administration’s Reorganization of the State Department – and How We Got Here
The Trump administration’s proposed reorganization of the State Department is not just a reshuffle. It’s a realignment of diplomatic priorities that seems set to constrain…
In Turkey, Peace as Pretext: Erdoğan’s Kurdish Initiative and the Authoritarian Logic Behind Arresting His Main Opponent
The arrest of the Turkish president's main rival, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, sharpens the contradictions of the peace effort with the Kurds.
Three Ways Abrego Garcia’s Rights Violated — Two of Which the Government Admits
"Abrego Garcia’s case isn’t about his alleged gang membership. It’s about the rule of law, and whether it will hold."
Localizing Genocide Prevention and Addressing the Needs of High-Risk Societies
A newly-rebooted UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect should work with local communities to de-escalate tensions before atrocities occur.
Birthright Citizenship and DOJ’s Misuse of History in Its Appellate Briefs
Although the DOJ's briefs in birthright citizen cases might initially seem well-supported, a close look reveals that it is grasping at straws.
The Just Security Podcast: Trump’s AI Strategy Takes Shape
Is a distinct Trump strategy for AI beginning to emerge—and what will that mean for the United States and the rest of the world?
The New Transparency Rules and the El Salvador Detention Agreement
A 2022 statute could force disclosure of any U.S.-El Salvador agreements connected to the facility where Kilmar Abrego Garcia is detained
Vanishing Accountability? The Need to Preserve U.S. Federal Financial Transparency
As threats to open data and financial accountability grow in the United States, it is essential to protect transparency at all costs.
The Just Security Podcast: Sudan Marks Two Years of War
Sudan marks two years of war this week. Where does the country and the international community trying to support it go from here?
The Immigration Registration Trap Goes Live
When a court finally addresses the merits of the rule, there are strong procedural and substantive grounds to challenge its implementation.
DOGE’s Growing Reach into Personal Data: What it Means for Human Rights
Congress should update the Privacy Act to prevent DOGE from violating U.S. international rights obligations.
Introduction to Series: Data Preservation Under the Trump Administration
A new series on what is at stake — and what can be done — to ensure government information remains publicly accessible and properly stored.