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.

× Clear Filters
3,476 Articles
On left, a portrait of U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon of the Southern District of Florida, who is considering former President Donald Trump's request to appoint a special master to review documents recovered from his Mar-a-Lago estate. On right, a photo of a male police officer wearing sunglasses and police uniform, standing next to two vehicles on August 9, 2022, in front of the ornate tan and gold gates of Mar-a-Lago, with an American flag flying to the left of the gates. Palm trees wave in the background against a stormy sky.

Assessing Trump’s Claim of ‘Executive Privilege’ on FBI Access to MAL Docs

"In short, the notion that a former president can block his successor from accessing presidential records that the incumbent believes he needs for purposes of carrying out executive…
US President Joe Biden addresses the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate from the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, in Washington, DC on June 17, 2022. - Biden hosts the virtual summit of major economies.

The Biden Administration Should Begin its “War on Secrecy” by Releasing Key War Powers Reports

Providing a meaningful report to Congress - and the American public - on legal and policy frameworks governing the use of force and related national security operations is not…
Man in Saudi dress, a member of the Saudi delegation, stands in foreground, Jared Kushner in suit in background, picture of historical figure on wall, taken in the Oval Office of the White House.

Need for US Ethics Reform Is Far from History: Kushner-MBS Deal Reflects Broken System

Recommended reforms include a two-year post-employment ban preventing senior and very senior officials from working on behalf of foreign governments, plus exploring options for…

Whistleblower Documents Show Problems in Twitter’s Handling of ‘Election Integrity’

Insights into how Twitter appears unprepared to handle "election integrity" issues in U.S. and globally. Plus what happened with Jan. 6 and 2020 elections.

The Curious Case of Alvin Bragg — Reconsidering the DA’s Trump investigation

An expert analysis of how Manhattan' District Attorney Alvin Bragg may be playing a multi-level chess game in prosecution of Trump entities and associates.
Just Security

Abusive “Counterterrorism” Crackdowns Choke Independent Civil Society in the Middle East

Abusive counterterrorism practices—whether in Saudi Arabia, Israel, or elsewhere—threaten fundamental norms and undermine the rule of law.
A child stands near two US army vehicles, which carry American flags. Nearby is a male American military officer.

How the FY23 NDAA Can Strengthen U.S. Efforts to Prevent and Respond to Civilian Harm (Part I)

Overhauling U.S. policies for preventing and responding to civilian harm will require sustained engagement from Congress.

Human Rights in the Crosshairs

"Some of the critiques of human rights have merit. … But some critiques go too far."
People demonstrate for the liberation of 13 convicted environmentalists with a banner depicting murdered Honduran environmental leader Berta Caceres as they arrive for a hearing in the country's capital, Tegucigalpa, on February 28, 2019. Thirteen environmental leaders of the Guapinol community, Tocoa municipality, Colon department, who oppose the mining exploitation of the Montana de Botaderos National Park by the company Inversiones Los Pinares, were arrested on charges of usurpation, burning, aggravated theft and illicit association. (Photo by ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP via Getty Images)

The US Must Help Fight the Criminalization of Activism in Central America, Not Make It Worse

Without safeguards, promoting private-sector investment to slow migration risks fueling a crisis for human rights defenders.
Members of the National Guard, holding shields, form a line during the night of January 6. Behind them is the Capitol building.

Seditious Conspiracy vs. Insurrection: Assessing the Evidence Against Trump

The Justice Department’s current investigation of criminal efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election apparently is taking two paths. One investigative…
Donald Trump and Kash Patel sit across from one another in a hall below a chandelier.

Trump Associate’s Stated Plan to Publicly Release “Declassified” Documents

New revelations "could have significant legal implications for the Justice Department’s ongoing criminal investigation."
People embrace near a memorial for the shooting victims outside of Tops grocery store on May 20, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. 18-year-old Payton Gendron was accused of the mass shooting that killed 10 people at the Tops grocery store on the east side of Buffalo on May 14th and was investigated as a hate crime.

Oversight Reports Raise Questions About Value of DHS Counterterrorism Efforts

Twenty years after DHS was cobbled together in the wake of 9/11, it’s time to seriously examine which of its programs really protect us.
1-12 of 3,476 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: