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.
3,398 Articles
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.
How Many (More) Sudanese Have to Die for Democracy?
Mass protests planned for Saturday will be a test of wills. It is safe to bet on the Sudanese people to brave the threat of escalated violence. The question is whether political…
Watchlisting the World: Digital Security Infrastructures, Informal Law, and the “Global War on Terror”
The Global Counterterrorism Forum's new "toolkit" ignores input, tracks US practice to dangerously expand the unaccountable post-9/11 system.
ASEAN Has Failed on Myanmar. What’s Next?
ASEAN excluded the Myanmar junta from its summit this week - but remains reluctant to condemn the coup or provide robust help to the people of Myanmar. How should the rest of the…
20 Years After the Patriot Act, America Must End Secret Law
Of the many abuses that sprung from the Patriot Act’s toxic soil, the most pernicious and enduring is the growth of secret laws. The insistence that the government must not only…
Rethinking Surveillance on the 20th Anniversary of the Patriot Act
20 years ago, Congress enacted the PATRIOT Act. It's time to move on from that outmoded model of surveillance.
After the Coup in Sudan: Key (Short-Term) Indicators for Democratic Survival
Key indicators to measure the prospect for democracy to survive the current crisis — from scale of street protests to army's withstanding defections to specific words chosen…
Amnesty & Accountability in Seychelles
The Seychelles' truth commission has the unusual power to grant - not just recommend - amnesties. What is their status in international law, and role in transitional justice?
Judicial Secrecy: How To Fix the Over-sealing of Federal Court Records
The lack of uniform procedures for sealing federal court records has resulted in excessive secrecy that has caused considerable harm.