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.

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3,333 Articles
Two tall greyscale rectangles cast dark shadows representing the Twin Towers. Text reads, “How Perpetual War Has Changed Us: Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11”

There Is a Way to Close Guantanamo

An outline of steps to end the policy of law of war detention, close Guantanamo, and end one of the grimmest chapters of the endless war era.
People in orange jumpsuits and black hoods walk in a single-file line in front of US Capitol building

Defending the Rule of Law Requires Ending Guantanamo Detention

After 20 years, continued Guantanamo detention is unjustifiable.
Paul Manafort arrives for a hearing at US District Court on June 15, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Paul Manafort’s Book Deal May Breach His Plea Agreement

Former lead prosecutor in Manafort's case analyzes the reported book deal and Manafort's plea agreement which expressly addressed such a situation.

With Subpoena to a Photojournalist, Jan. 6 Committee Runs Needless Risks to Press Freedom

Alongside the predictable lineup of plaintiffs seeking to block the committee’s subpoenas of their phone records—Michael Flynn, Mark Meadows, and others—one stands out. A…
View of a pile of rubbish with unused Venezuelan bolivar bills on a street of Puerto Concha town, Zulia state, Venezuela, on September 8, 2021, where the Colombian peso accounts for most transactions, followed by the US dollar. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden debe cambiar, no profundizar, la fallida estrategia de Trump hacia Venezuela

Las sanciones de los EE.UU. exacerban el sufrimiento humano. Deberían castigar a los corruptos y poderosos.

Mining Parler and Mapping the “Stop the Steal” Campaign

Analysis of data related to January 6th Capitol attack reveals centrality of social media.
Then-U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows (R) listens prior to Trump's Marine One departure from the South Lawn of the White House July 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. on his way to stops including a fundraising luncheon for the Republican Party and his reelection campaign. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Taking Stock: Accountability for January 6th and the Risks of Recurrence

The absence of accountability is not neutrality, but an invitation to escalate wrongdoing and for others to follow suit.
US Department of Justice building at night.

Timeline for Anniversary of January 5: DOJ Election Fraud Investigations and GA Senate Runoff

While the nation turns its attention to the first anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, an important scheme having to do with the Jan. 5, 2021 Georgia Senate runoff may…
View of a pile of rubbish with unused Venezuelan bolivar bills on a street of Puerto Concha town, Zulia state, Venezuela, on September 8, 2021, where the Colombian peso accounts for most transactions, followed by the US dollar. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden Must Change, Not Deepen, Trump’s Failed Venezuela Strategy

U.S. sanctions exacerbate the suffering of millions. They should target the corrupt and powerful instead.
A collage of images from articles of the past week.

Democracy, Rule of Law, Justice: Lessons from 2021 for the Year Ahead?

A curated selection of Just Security articles offers insights for 2022 on issues of racial justice, democracy and the rule of law, diplomacy, foreign policy, and more.
Handcuffs lying on flat pile of US currency, with Benjamin Franklin's face in focus in the center of one handcuff loop.

Real Anti-Corruption Reform Requires a Role for Civil Society

A public beneficial ownership registry, accessible to civil society and journalists, is integral to anti-corruption efforts.
With the American flag draped behind them and dark brown wooden elevated table, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) (C), chair of the select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol, speaks as (L-R) Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Elaine Luria (D-VA) listen during a committee business meeting at Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill October 19, 2021 in Washington, DC. The committee held the meeting and vote to hold former Trump adviser Stephen Bannon in criminal contempt for refusing to cooperate with the committee’s subpoena.

The Path to Real Accountability: The Timetable and Track Record of the Jan. 6 Select Committee

A snapshot of what the Committee has accomplished, at a quick pace, to establish the record, and what to expect next.
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