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.
3,366 Articles

Hungary’s Election Could End Orbán’s Rule — But Will It End His Power?
Hungary's parliamentary election will test Prime Minister Viktor Orban's strength, as well as whether a change could successfully undo 16 years of autocratic rule.

The Dangers of Hegseth’s “Warfighter” Ethos
Hegseth may present his version of a warfighter as the paragon of U.S. military power, but for all his talk, he fails to recognize the true strengths of the armed forces.

The Judicial Reckoning for the Abuse of Presidential Power in Korea
A South Korean judge on how the South Korean judicial system served as a bulwark of democratic resilience in the face of a constitutional crisis.

Myths and Facts About Section 702 Backdoor Searches: A Reply to George Croner
A rebuttal to George Croner’s critique of the Brennan Center’s “Myths and Facts” on FISA Section 702 backdoor searches and why RISAA falls short.

The Anti-Stonewalling Playbook: How Congress Can Plan Now to Counter Executive Branch Obstruction Next Term
Former Justice Department official provides steps Congress can take to prepare an oversight agenda now for the next congressional term.

The Unconstitutionality of the Trump Administration’s New Executive Order on Elections
The Trump administration's executive order on mail-in voting is unconstitutional. States and Congress—not the President—have authority to regulate federal elections.

The Financial Action Task Force: An Accountability Mechanism for the United States
The FATF Mutual Evaluation of the United States serves as an opportunity to promote the preservation of multilateral norms and standards.

Statement by Israeli International Law Scholars Concerning Israel’s New “Death Penalty for Terrorists” Law
Leading Israeli international law scholars' statement on how new Israeli death penalty law for certain terrorism crimes "violates basic rules of international law."

What the Latest Session of the Commission on the Status of Women Reveals About Global Rights
CSW emphasized that women are at the forefront of combating global backsliding, and preserving their rights remains central to protecting rule of law and global stability.

The Truth Behind Section 702 Query Statistics
Authors write that Congress must now impose a warrant requirement for Section 702 access to Americans' communications.

A Response to the Brennan Center’s “Myths and Facts” on Section 702 Backdoor Searches
A warrant mandate is unnecessary, legally mistaken, and damaging to national security as the program faces expiration on April 20, 2026.

A Survey of Sovereign Standing: Developments in State-Led Lawsuits Against the Federal Government
Recent state-led cases against the federal government demonstrate the range of injuries that states are successfully asserting under the current doctrines of state standing.