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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3,393 Articles
(L/R) US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio look on as US President Donald Trump holds up a resolution document that he signed during the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)

Some Questions for Congress About Trump’s Request for Funding for the Board of Peace

Close scrutiny of the administration’s plans for contributions to the Board of Peace is warranted in light of the large dollar amounts involved.
Mourners hold their candles in the air during a moment of silence during a vigil to mark one week since the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival, on the corner of Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

No, There Isn’t a Trans Shooter Problem

Reactions to mass shootings often fixate on gender identity, ignoring extremist ideologies. This misplaced focus fuels scapegoating and deepens division.

The Tightrope Walk of Democratic Defense: Lessons from Taiwan’s Platform Governance Challenge

The safeguards emerging from Taiwan's effort to address information manipulation risks offer democracies a platform governance roadmap.
Women embrace in front of memorial flowers on October 28, 2018 outside of the Tree of Life Synagogue after a shooting there left 11 people dead in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Global Crises, Local Impacts: How Mayors Need to Prepare

Global conflicts are fueling local polarization and extremism. Mayors must act early to protect their communities before violence erupts.
Someone in a fluorescent yellow safety jacket on a bicycle is standing speaking with several others at a campaign booth for the TISZA opposition political party. The booth has a poster on it apparently promoting two male candidates. There are trees and apparent residential block buildings in the background and neat brown pavers underfoot.

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.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Oliver Contreras / AFP via Getty Images)

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.
Supporters of South Korea's impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol watch a live stream of Yoon's trial on his insurrection charges near the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on February 19, 2026, as Yoon (2nd row L) is seen on the screen. A South Korean court found ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of insurrection on February 19, and sentenced him to life in prison, saying his martial law declaration in December 2024 was a plot to "paralyse" the National Assembly. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP via Getty Images)

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.
Magnifying glass over computer code (vie Getty Images)

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.
Empty witness table with microphones and nameplate sits in a large hearing room in the Congressional Auditorium at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.

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.
A Clark County election worker stacks gray crates marked "SURRENDERED MAIL BALLOTS."

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.
A picture taken on June 7, 2011 in Paris shows the Château de la Muette, OECD headquarters, which also houses the FATF Secretariat.

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.
Protesters hold placards outside the Red Cross offices in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on March 31, 2026, during a rally against a bill approved by Israel's parliament that would allow the execution of Palestinians convicted on terror charges for deadly attacks. Israel's parliament approved a bill on March 30, that would allow the execution of Palestinians convicted on terror charges for deadly attacks. (Photo by Zain JAAFAR / AFP via Getty Images)

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."
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