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.
3,161 Articles
The Downstream Effects of Israel’s “Terrorist” Designation on Human Rights Defenders in the US
The Israeli designation may be designed to trigger US counterterrorism sanctions - and chill human rights activism. Here are some options for the US response.
No, Former Presidents Cannot Assert Executive Privilege. At Least Not Meaningfully.
"Former President Trump’s authority, if any, would be at the 'lowest conceivable ebb' by asserting a claim that is incompatible with Congress’s explicit act plus incompatible…
An Undefined Defining Moment: Marking 20 Years of Counterterrorism Without Ever Agreeing What Terrorism Is
UN Security Council Resolution 1373 in 2001 created a sprawling global system that, rather than solving the problem, spawned widespread abuse.
Sudan’s Constitutional Crisis: Dissecting the Coup Declaration
Suspending certain articles while retaining parts of the transitional deal cloaks a unilateral power-grab as merely a course correction.
US Leadership Matters to Avoid New Violence in the Balkans
It's time for Washington to recognize the role of Serb nationalism in fomenting renewed tensions across the region.
Sanctions Review Fails to Review Sanctions: Congress Should Step In
US sanctions policy should account for peacebuilding and other crucial civic and development activities.
So, What Does Facebook Take Down? The Secret List of ‘Dangerous’ Individuals and Organizations
Facebook has been criticized for content it allows. But we should be equally skeptical of what it takes down, and its claimed legal reasoning for removals.
Sudanese Send Clear `No’ to Military Coup. What Will Security Forces Do Next?
After mass nonviolent protests, look out for arrests of opponents, prison releases of Islamists, and actions by a key paramilitary unit.
How Many (More) Sudanese Have to Die for Democracy?
Mass protests planned for Saturday will be a test of wills. It is safe to bet on the Sudanese people to brave the threat of escalated violence. The question is whether political…
Watchlisting the World: Digital Security Infrastructures, Informal Law, and the “Global War on Terror”
The Global Counterterrorism Forum's new "toolkit" ignores input, tracks US practice to dangerously expand the unaccountable post-9/11 system.
ASEAN Has Failed on Myanmar. What’s Next?
ASEAN excluded the Myanmar junta from its summit this week - but remains reluctant to condemn the coup or provide robust help to the people of Myanmar. How should the rest of the…
20 Years After the Patriot Act, America Must End Secret Law
Of the many abuses that sprung from the Patriot Act’s toxic soil, the most pernicious and enduring is the growth of secret laws. The insistence that the government must not only…