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”

In the “War on Terror,” What Did Rights Organizations Get Wrong?

A leading human rights lawyer raises provocative questions about track record of U.S. human rights organizations. An essay in advance of a live event on Thursday night to discuss…
Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim Asad Ahmad Khan holds a press conference at the Ministry of Justice in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on August 12, 2021.

The International Criminal Court and Afghanistan

Here's how the ICC can advance justice in Afghanistan despite the Taliban takeover.
Side by side photographs of law enforcement in full riot gear with helmets, shields, bullet proof vests, and camouflage clothing marching near Lafayette Park on June 1, 2020 and considerably less law enforcement in less imposing gear and without shields at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The second photograph also shows white supremacists carrying flags and greatly outnumbering law enforcement. Law enforcement in the first photograph tear gassed protestors (not shown) who were protesting the murder of George Floyd and larger racial injustices. Law enforcement in the second photograph used minimal force against violent Trump supporters as they stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The National Guard at Lafayette Square and the January 6th Attempted Insurrection: Fixes for the FY2022 NDAA

Congress should close the loopholes that allow the federal government to circumvent the Posse Comitatus Act.
Supporters of the "Coalition of Northern Groups" (CNG) rally to urge authorities to rescue hundreds of abducted schoolboys, in northwestern state of Katsina, Nigeria on December 17, 2020. One sign reads, “End Boko Haram” and another reads, “Insecurity in the North in Bad Condition Appalling Failure…”

The Politics of Repatriation and Power of Community Reintegration in Peacebuilding

Communities victimized by conflict may be remarkably receptive to the return of former fighters.
Trump leaves the Manhattan Supreme Court where he serves on jury duty on August 17, 2015 in New York City. Reporters gather around him with cameras and microphones.

Why a Trump Lawsuit to “Protect” Executive Privilege Could Backfire

Trump may unintentionally invite the DC court and Justice Dept to consider whether the crime-fraud exception applies to his activities relating to Jan. 6.
Empty UN Security Council chamber.

Addressing Masculinities and Gender Stereotypes to Prevent Violent Extremism and Terrorism

On the effort of states to develop a new discourse at the United Nations on gender stereotypes and masculinities as drivers of violent extremism and terrorism.
A collage of Jim Jordan speaking on multiple news channels.

Timeline: Rep. Jim Jordan, a Systematic Disinformation Campaign, and January 6

Starting in August 2020, Jim Jordan's coordinated effort to shape Trump supporters' belief in a stolen presidential election and January 6 as the "ultimate date of significance"…
US Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice alongside Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on April 26, 2021 in Washington, DC.

DOJ Should Investigate Jeff Clark and Mark Meadows for Political Coercion Act and Hatch Act Violations

A detailed examination of how the reported facts match the criminal prohibitions of the Political Coercion Act and the Hatch Act.
Former chief prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz addresses guests during the inauguration of the new information and documentation center "Memorial Nuremberg Trials", in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 21, 2010.

Nuremberg Prosecutor says Guantanamo Military Commissions Don’t Measure Up

In an upcoming filing, the last living Nuremberg prosecutor, Benjamin B. Ferencz, says there is "very limited comparison" between the Guantanamo military commissions and the Nuremberg…
A person watches an investigation film by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow on January 21, 2021.

Anti-Corruption Crusader Navalny’s Appeal from His Russian Prison Cell

His five-point plan shows he is ready to fight and optimistic that something can be done, including with Biden's Summit for Democracy.
Protesters hold up placards and banners as they attend a demonstration in Sydney on June 23, 2021 to call on the Australian government to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over China's human rights record. Signs read, “Boycott Beijing 2022” and “End the Uyghur Genocide”

Boycotting Beijing 2022: Accountability for the Next Olympics and Beyond

History has shown the dangers of allowing repressive regimes to gain legitimacy by hosting the Olympics. China should be held accountable.
Investigators search for evidence in and around the wreckage of a Police bus at the site of a bomb blast in Kabul, 17 June 2007.

Evidence Destruction and the Crisis In Afghanistan

Evidence of international crimes is at risk in Afghanistan - endangering witnesses, victims, and the pursuit of justice. The international community must take steps to secure it.
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