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.
3,333 Articles
Timeline: Rep. Mo Brooks, January 6, and the Effort to Overturn an Election
A comprehensive timeline of Rep. Mo Brooks’ reported actions and public statements in trying to overturn the American election.
Military Officers’ Handwritten Clemency Letter at Guantanamo – What It Says About Who We Are
"A long step toward the ultimate freedom: the realization that there is no them, there is only us."
The Missing Kabul Drone Strike Report
"It is simply not credible that the entire investigative report must be withheld in order to protect (as one imagines the claim) sources and methods of intelligence-gathering."
A Torture Survivor Speaks at the Guantanamo Military Commissions
Majid Khan described his torture by the United States for the first time in a case that also shows how plea agreements are the only realistic path for those charged in Guantanamo…
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.